Ichhra Bazaar upgrade nears completion ahead of Eid

LAHORE: The restoration and modernisation of Ichhra Bazaar is close to completion, with officials expecting the work to be finished by May 25, ahead of Eid.

Lahore Development Authority Chief Engineer-I Mazhar Hussain Khan said 92 per cent of the work had been completed and the remaining portion was likely to take around 12 days or slightly more. He told Dawn, “The project is almost complete, as 92pc work has been completed. The remaining work will take around 12 days or more, as we are trying hard to complete it fully by May 25, before Eid.”

He also described it as a distinctive urban improvement scheme for Lahore and said, “It is a unique project in the city as envisioned by the chief minister.”

The initiative, titled Revitalisation of Ichhra Bazaar, is aimed at reducing congestion, improving movement for shoppers, upgrading the appearance of the market and addressing other civic shortcomings. The project carries an estimated cost of around Rs800 million.

The scheme is being financed by the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore, while the Lahore Development Authority is responsible for carrying out the work. Construction began on December 1 last year under a six-month plan, with the original completion deadline set for May 30.

The area being revamped stretches over about 2,650 feet. This includes 1,600 feet of the main Ichhra Bazaar, 600 feet along Ferozepur Road, 200 feet on Zaildar Road and 50 feet each for five connecting links of the main bazaar, making a total of 260 feet for those links. The market has around 350 shops.

Scope of the project

According to project documents, the work includes the construction of a prominent entrance designed to combine modern features with cultural elements. The plan also covers facade improvements through vertical louvres with powdered coated paint, the use of textured wall coating and weather shield paint for end and upper floors.

The project further seeks to bring visual consistency to the market through standardised shutters, signage, architectural columns, uniform paint and shop heights. Other features include horizontal louvres, shop banners with laser-cut 3D acrylic alphabets, CNC-cut decorative grills for electric fixtures, road and street signage, soft landscaping at the main entrance and renovation of existing washroom blocks.

To limit vehicle access and make the area safer and more pedestrian-friendly, the completed works also include patterned cobblestones, concrete boulders at selected points, rumble strips, tactile tiles for visually impaired persons and porcelain tiles for side walkways. Wheelchair ramps have also been installed at certain locations.

“The project is almost complete, as 92pc work has been completed. The remaining work will take around 12 days or more, as we are trying hard to complete it fully by May 25, before Eid.”

Officials expect the upgraded bazaar to be ready before the Eid shopping rush, with the final phase of work now under way.