The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) faces delays in restoring the historic district due to a lack of available funds. Billions of rupees are being sought from the Punjab government to move the restoration work forward.
Phase-I projects are currently scheduled to reach completion by 31 December 2026. Construction of an underground parking plaza at Neela Gumbad is estimated to cost Rs2.4 billion, with an additional Rs500 million required to finish the site.
The Nasir Bagh underground parking plaza costs Rs1.6 billion, but the authority needs a further Rs600 million to complete it. Rs600 million was requested for the Shah Alam Market to repair the sewerage system, move electricity wires underground, and improve building facades.
The authority requires Rs500 million to move electricity wires underground and improve the appearance of historic city gates. Improvements to the gates will include the Spice Market, Mochi Gate, Taksali Gate, and Yakki Gate.
Rs13 billion is needed for shops and underground parking plazas at Taksali Gate, Sheranwala Gate, and Mochi Gate. Work delays could lead to an increase in the total cost of these projects.
Dad stated in an interview that the authority had requested funds from the Punjab government and work would accelerate once the money was released.
