Latest news with #Rs124
Business Recorder
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
WCLA to complete work on Anarkali Tomb in one year
LAHORE: The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) is expected to complete the Rs124 million conservation work of the historic Anarkali Tomb - one of the important monuments from the Mughal era, by June 2026, 70 percent of the conservation work has been completed. According to the Authority on Wednesday, the project started in July 2024, and the purpose of this project is to restore the tomb and protect its original design and structure. The following work has been done: the building's structure has been strengthened completely; 90 percent of lime plaster work, inside and outside the building is done; stucco tracery, 80 percent of the decorative plaster design is completed; and 70 percent of traditional 'ghalib kari' and 'muqarnas kari' (ornamental ceiling work) is completed. In the next phase, flooring and fresco painting work will be carried out; for the frescoes, the WCLA is working closely with experts to study the original paintings found at the site to make sure the restoration is done carefully and accurately. Commenting on the project, WCLA Media and Marketing Director Tania Qureshi said that restoring the Anarkali Tomb is a way to bring our history back to life. 'We are using traditional methods and skilled experts to make sure the monument is saved for future generations. This will be a proud moment for Lahore's heritage,' she added. 'This project is part of WCLA's larger mission to protect historic places in Lahore and promote tourism. When completed, the Anarkali Tomb will be an important cultural and historical site for both locals and visitors,' she said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
09-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
WCLA reaches significant progress in Anarkali Tomb restoration
The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has successfully completed 70% of the conservation work on the historic Anarkali Tomb, marking a significant achievement in the preservation of one of Lahore's most iconic Mughal-era monuments. The restoration project, which commenced in July 2024, is being executed at a cost of Rs124 million. It is expected to be completed by June 2026. According to WCLA officials, the aim of the project is to restore the tomb's original architectural features while ensuring the structural integrity and long-term preservation of the site. Key components of the restoration work completed so far include full structural reinforcement of the building, 90% completion of internal and external lime plastering, 80% completion of stucco tracery (decorative plaster work), and 70% progress in traditional Ghalib Kari and Muqarnas Kari—ornamental ceiling techniques rooted in Mughal craftsmanship. The upcoming phase of the project will focus on flooring and fresco painting. WCLA is working closely with heritage experts to study original frescoes that were discovered at the site, ensuring that the restoration work remains historically accurate and faithful to the tomb's original design. Speaking on the project's importance, Tania Qureshi, Director of Media & Marketing at WCLA, stated, 'Restoring the Anarkali Tomb is not just about preserving a monument it's about reviving our cultural identity. We are committed to using traditional materials and techniques, with the help of master craftsmen, to ensure authenticity and quality.' The Anarkali Tomb is a significant part of Lahore's Mughal heritage, and the restoration effort is being seen as an essential step in preserving the city's rich history. The project is also expected to make the tomb a major cultural tourism attraction once fully restored, offering both residents and international visitors a chance to experience Lahore's vibrant Mughal legacy.
Express Tribune
07-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Six new underpasses, flyovers on cards
Six new underpass and flyover projects have been included in Rawalpindi district's development plan for the fiscal year 202526. According to sources, funds have been formally allocated for feasibility studies and PC-1 documentation. Some of these projects will be entirely signal-free and will feature modern, state-of-the-art beautification, to be overseen by the Rawalpindi and Chaklala Cantonment boards as well as the Parks and Horticulture Authority. Once completed, the projects are expected to make 90 per cent of traffic flow through cantonment areas signal-free. The Race Course Underpass is estimated to cost Rs2.6 billion, with Rs94 million earmarked for its initial phase. The Jinnah Park Flyover has a projected cost of Rs4.15 billion, and Rs149 million have been allocated for preparatory work. The Amar Chowk Flyover will cost Rs3.45 billion, with Rs124 million set aside. Chairing Cross Underpass is estimated at Rs1.5 billion, with Rs54 million allocated. The proposed cost for the Fauji Qabristan Chowk (Peshawar Road) Underpass is Rs1.9 billion, with Rs68 million reserved. The largest and most congested project, the District Kutchery Chowk Underpass and Road Widening, is projected at Rs4.45 billion, with Rs160 million allocated for its initial phase. The Iftikhar Janjua Road Underpass is estimated at Rs1.93 billion, with Rs69 million allocated. The District Bar Association has raised strong objections to the Kutchery Chowk project. Bar Secretary Malik Asad Mehmood warned of resistance if lawyers' chambers are dismantled. He urged the administration to share the project plans and consult with the bar before moving forward. The project also affects buildings belonging to the Civil Defence Department, Ministry of Local Government, and Police Department, along with boundary walls of Fatima Jinnah Women University and the Income Tax Office. Due to disputes between government departments and the District Bar, this state-of-the-art project has remained stalled for the past five years, leading to steadily rising costs. MNA Engineer Qamarul Islam, convener of the District Development Committee, stated that the new fiscal year will mark a major development phase for Rawalpindi. He added that work on all the approved projects will begin within three to five months and will be completed and functional by June 30, 2026. Daducha Dam feasibility The contract for preparing the PC-II feasibility study for the Daducha Dam project has been awarded. Once completed, the project will supply Rawalpindi with an additional 35 million gallons of water per day, significantly addressing the city's water shortage. According to the sources, consulting firm Usmani & Co. has been awarded the contract at a cost of Rs42.8 million. The firm is tasked with determining the project's total cost and land acquisition requirements within six months, said the sources, adding that Rs48 million were allocated for the feasibility study, but out of three bidding firms, Usmani & Co.'s bid of Rs42.8 million was accepted. WASA Managing Director, Muhammad Saleem Ashraf, said that the Daducha Dam is a very important project that will significantly enhance Rawalpindi's water supply.
