Rs. 750 Million Raja Bazaar Project Flooded Three Times During Monsoon Rain

The newly renovated historic Raja Bazaar in Rawalpindi has been flooded three times during the first monsoon rains, with up to three feet of rain and sewage water accumulating in the market despite a Rs. 750 million remodeling and beautification project.

The 250-year-old commercial center was recently transformed into a pedestrian shopping street, featuring colorful lights and other improvements. However, the flooding damaged parts of the newly completed beautification work and caused millions of rupees in losses to traders.

The market was left looking like a large pond as floodwater entered shops and covered the pedestrian street.

On the directives of the Deputy Commissioner, the district administration, Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) and Municipal Corporation launched emergency drainage and restoration work.

The 1,500-metre stretch from Dingi Khoi to Raja Bazaar Chowk was restored within 24 hours. Floodwater was removed, the street was washed with clean water and damaged lights were replaced.

Meanwhile, authorities have approved a new project aimed at preventing similar flooding during the 2027 monsoon season.

Under the project, the major underground stormwater drain beneath Raja Bazaar will be deepened and widened, while a large cemented tunnel and heavy-duty pipelines will be installed to improve drainage during heavy rainfall.

The drains at Dingi Khoi Chowk, Mochi Bazaar-Raja Bazaar Chowk and Namak Mandi-Raja Bazaar Junction will also be widened.

The Deputy Commissioner said Raja Bazaar was the “heart of the city” and that the project would be completed before the next monsoon.

However, traders have strongly criticized the repeated flooding and demanded interest-free loans to compensate affected businesses for their losses.

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