LAHORE – The Punjab government has decided to develop an underground parking plaza in one of Lahore’s busiest areas to address the long-standing parking shortage around Data Darbar and Bhati Gate.
According to the proposal, the project will be developed on 22 kanals of land located between Data Darbar and Bhati Gate. A summary seeking approval for the construction has been sent to the Punjab chief minister.
The Lahore Development Authority’s Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency (TEPA) has estimated the project cost at more than Rs8.225 billion.
The director general of LDA has also sought permission to include the project in the current fiscal year’s development programme and arrange the required funding.
The proposed facility will consist of three underground levels and is planned to feature a modern Intelligent Transportation System, automated parking facilities and charging stations for electric vehicles.
The parking plaza is expected to accommodate around 600 cars and 1,700 motorcycles. Once completed, the facility would provide parking space for visitors to Data Darbar, local residents, business owners and other citizens visiting the area.
The decision follows the Punjab government’s projects involving the Bhati Underpass and the upgrading of Data Darbar. Under the proposal, TEPA may be assigned responsibility for construction of the new parking facility instead of the LDA’s engineering wing.
