Raja Bazaar Flooded Repeatedly During Monsoon Rain Despite Rs750 Million Upgrade
Rawalpindi’s historic Raja Bazaar has experienced flooding three times during the recent monsoon rains, raising concerns about drainage capacity despite a recently completed Rs750 million renovation and beautification project.
The commercial area, which is around 250 years old, was recently redesigned as a pedestrian shopping street with improved lighting and other facilities. However, heavy rainfall caused water to accumulate across the market, with flood and sewage water entering shops and affecting parts of the newly upgraded area.
Emergency Restoration Work Underway
Following the flooding, the district administration, Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) and Municipal Corporation carried out emergency drainage and cleanup operations.
A 1,500-metre section from Dingi Khoi to Raja Bazaar Chowk was restored within 24 hours. Workers removed standing water, cleaned the pedestrian street and replaced damaged lights.
New Drainage Plan for 2027
Authorities have also approved a new drainage project aimed at reducing the risk of flooding during next year’s monsoon season.
The planned work includes widening and deepening the major underground stormwater drain beneath Raja Bazaar. A large concrete tunnel and heavy-duty pipelines are also proposed to improve the flow of rainwater during periods of heavy rainfall.
Drainage channels at Dingi Khoi Chowk, Mochi Bazaar-Raja Bazaar Chowk and Namak Mandi-Raja Bazaar Junction will also be expanded.
The Deputy Commissioner said Raja Bazaar is an important commercial area of Rawalpindi and expressed confidence that the drainage improvements would be completed before the 2027 monsoon.
Meanwhile, traders have raised concerns about business losses caused by the repeated flooding and have called for financial support, including interest-free loans for affected shopkeepers.
