Lahore: Neela Gumbad, one of Lahore’s most congested traffic points, is set to undergo a European-style redevelopment aimed at turning it into a walk-friendly urban space.
The Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency (TEPA) has unveiled plans for a PKR 2.451 billion project that will remodel the vicinity with modern facilities, including underground parking, walkways, and surveillance systems.
Located between King Edward Medical College, Punjab University, Anarkali Bazaar, and several commercial hubs, Neela Gumbad has long struggled with encroachments, traffic jams, and a lack of parking space. Despite being home to the 17th-century shrine of Sheikh Abdul Razzak Maki, known for its iconic blue-tiled dome, the area has remained neglected for decades.
Chief Engineer TEPA Iqrar Hussain said the redevelopment will cover 16 kanals, with three underground basements planned. Two levels will be dedicated to parking, while the first basement will house 69 shops alongside space for 58 cars and 280 motorcycles. The lower two basements will accommodate 158 cars and 255 motorcycles each, offering a combined capacity of 374 cars and 790 motorcycles.
A total of 62 shops and nine houses will be demolished to make way for the project. Facilities will include controlled parking systems, public washrooms, lifts, CCTV surveillance, and firefighting equipment. “After completion, this area will be converted into Lahore’s first walk-friendly vicinity and will emerge as a major attraction for both citizens and tourists,” Hussain said.
According to officials, PKR 300 million has already been released for the project, with the remaining funds in process. Work is expected to take 18 months, covering earthworks, RCC frame structures, drainage systems, and modern safety measures.
The initiative also includes replanting of 29 trees and relocation of utility services such as electricity, gas, and water. Authorities say the redevelopment will not only address congestion and parking challenges but also help restore the historical and cultural value of Neela Gumbad, reviving it as a central landmark in Lahore.
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