Rawalpindi’s historic Raja Bazaar has faced serious flooding during the first monsoon rains. The market was flooded three times after its recent renovation.
Up to three feet of rainwater and sewage reportedly accumulated across the commercial area. The flooding also entered shops and affected businesses.
The situation has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Rs750 million remodeling project. The project recently transformed the historic market into a pedestrian shopping street.
The 250-year-old commercial centre received several upgrades during the redevelopment. These included colorful lighting and other beautification improvements.
However, the recent flooding damaged parts of the newly completed work. Traders also reported losses running into millions of rupees.
The market reportedly resembled a large pond after heavy rainfall. Floodwater covered sections of the pedestrian street and entered commercial outlets.
Following the flooding, authorities launched emergency drainage and restoration operations. The action was taken on the directives of the Deputy Commissioner.
The district administration worked with the Water and Sanitation Agency and Municipal Corporation. Their teams focused on removing standing water and restoring affected areas.
Officials restored a 1,500-metre section within 24 hours. The affected stretch runs from Dingi Khoi to Raja Bazaar Chowk.
Workers removed floodwater from the area and cleaned the pedestrian street. They washed the surface with clean water after drainage operations.
Damaged lights were also replaced as part of the restoration work. The quick response helped reopen the affected commercial area.
However, authorities have also approved another drainage project. The new plan aims to prevent similar flooding during the 2027 monsoon season.
The Raja Bazaar Project will include major improvements to the underground drainage system. The main stormwater drain beneath the market will be widened and deepened.
A large cemented tunnel is also planned under the new project. Heavy-duty pipelines will further improve the movement of rainwater.
Several connecting drains will also receive upgrades. These include drains at Dingi Khoi Chowk and Mochi Bazaar-Raja Bazaar Chowk.
The drain at Namak Mandi-Raja Bazaar Junction is also planned for widening. Officials expect the measures to improve drainage during heavy rainfall.
The Deputy Commissioner described Raja Bazaar as the “heart of the city.” He said the new drainage work would be completed before the next monsoon.
The Raja Bazaar Project has nevertheless faced criticism from local traders. Business owners have expressed concern over repeated flooding after the renovation.
Traders said the flooding caused substantial financial losses. They have demanded interest-free loans to help affected businesses recover.
The repeated flooding has also raised questions about drainage planning. Traders and residents are now looking toward the upcoming drainage improvements.
Authorities are expected to complete the planned work before the 2027 monsoon. The success of the measures will be closely watched during future heavy rains.
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For now, the focus remains on repairing damaged infrastructure and protecting businesses. The new drainage plan is intended to provide a longer-term solution.
