Lahore: The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has approved the revitalisation of Ichhra Bazaar with an estimated cost of over PKR 633 million to provide a safer and more organised shopping environment while preserving the market’s cultural and traditional character.
Ichhra Bazaar, one of Lahore’s oldest and busiest traditional markets, is known for its affordable shopping options and historic vibrancy dating back to the Mughal era. Over time, however, the bazaar has become overcrowded, with haphazard facades, traffic congestion, and inadequate facilities such as public washrooms, seating areas, and wheelchair access.
LDA Director Architect Ambar Razaq said that despite modernisation, Ichhra retains its identity as a people’s bazaar blending affordability with tradition. She added that the project was designed to provide modern facilities while maintaining the market’s cultural and heritage values.
According to officials, key challenges being addressed under the revitalisation plan include visual disorder caused by uncoordinated facades and signage, overcrowding, lack of pedestrian comfort, insufficient infrastructure, and disorganised traffic flow.
Chief Engineer LDA Mazhar Khan stated that the project aims to create a uniform and attractive streetscape with culturally inspired facades, enhance pedestrian safety through patterned paving and greenery, and introduce standardised signage and shop fronts. He said the bazaar’s entrance will be redesigned to reflect its traditional character.
LDA Director General Tahir Farooq said the revitalisation is expected to improve commercial activity and tourism, strengthen Ichhra’s cultural value, and provide a safer, pedestrian-friendly environment. He noted that the project will also help reduce congestion and enhance the area’s overall aesthetics.
As part of the initiative, the LDA will install tactile tiles for visually impaired individuals, porcelain tiles for side pathways, and ramps for wheelchair access. Parking will be restricted with concrete bollards, while traffic movement within the bazaar will be limited to prioritise pedestrian access. Additionally, all overhead utilities, including electricity wires, will be shifted underground.
The PKR 662.3 million project is expected to be completed within six months and will include upgrades to around 300 shops with uniform signage, shutters, and front louvers to create a cohesive and visually appealing streetscape.
Officials said the revitalisation of Ichhra Bazaar will transform it into a modern yet culturally rooted commercial hub that balances heritage preservation, urban comfort, and commercial vitality.
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