Lahore’s Walled City is a place of breathtaking history and vibrant culture, but anyone who has tried to drive through its narrow, winding streets knows one thing for sure: finding a parking spot is a nightmare.
It’s a daily struggle that affects everyone, from residents to tourists, and it’s something that has long been a major headache for urban planners.
But a big change is coming. The Punjab government has approved a massive project to build six underground parking plazas right in the heart of this historic area. The goal?
To finally clear up the gridlock and make the Walled City more accessible, all without disturbing its beautiful, centuries-old character.
Where Will They Go?
The new plazas will be strategically built at some of the city’s busiest and most iconic locations:
- Mochi Gate
- Sheranwala Gate
- Taxali Gate
- Delhi Gate
- Bhatti Gate
- Shah Alam Gate
Manufacturing underground parking plazas isn’t a small-scale plan. The entire project comes with a hefty price tag of Rs 31.5 billion, funded directly by the provincial government.
The Communication and Works (C&W) Department will handle the construction, with a budget for each site based on its size and location.
Interestingly, the most expensive of the six will be the Sheranwala Gate plaza, estimated at Rs 8 billion.
The least expensive option will be at Bhatti Gate, priced at a more modest Rs 2 billion. The plazas at Mochi, Taxali, and Shah Alam gates will each cost around Rs 5.2 billion, while the Delhi Gate plaza is set for a budget of Rs 6 billion.
A New Era for the Walled City
This initiative is more than just about creating parking spaces. It’s about bringing modern solutions to one of the world’s oldest living cities. By moving parking underground, the project aims to reduce traffic congestion, boost local businesses, and preserve heritage. These benefits will significantly improve the quality of life in the Walled City.
- Reduce traffic congestion: Less time spent circling for a spot means smoother traffic flow, especially during peak hours.
- Boost local businesses: With easier access, more people will be encouraged to visit the shops and eateries in the area, fostering a sense of support and engagement among the audience.
- Preserve heritage: The plazas are being designed to blend in seamlessly, with a strong focus on maintaining the historical charm of the gates above ground, reassuring the audience of the project’s respect for Lahore’s rich history.
For a city that prides itself on its rich history, this project is a bold step forward. It shows a commitment to modernizing urban life while protecting what makes Lahore so special.
While construction timelines are still to be announced, residents and tourists are already optimistic that this will finally provide some much-needed relief and a more pleasant experience in the Walled City.
What do you think about the plan? Will these new parking plazas solve the Walled City’s traffic problems for good?
We’d love to hear your thoughts and concerns about this project. Share them in the comments below.
