PHOTO: AGHA MEHROZ/FILE

RAWALPINDI: Having already been delayed for three years, work on creating a new master plan for Rawalpindi for the next two decades has taken a step forward as the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has finalised the Terms of Reference (TORs) of the garrison city’s new master plan for 2020-40.



The TORs would be presented in the governing body meeting for discussion after its expected approval from the provincial housing ministry next week.



The process of appointing a consultant would be initiated after the governing board’s meeting.



The RDA sent a draft of the TORs for the master plan to the Punjab housing secretary in February.



The plan aims to solve the traffic congestion in the city and manage the boom in its population, apart from coping with the rising requirements for water supply, sewerage system, electricity, gas, telephone connections, commercial and residential areas, industry, roads, streets, street lights, parks, green belts, parking lights, hospitals along with facilities at educational institutions.



Furthermore, the revised master plan will divide the city into sectors comprising residential and commercial areas so as to provide a calm environment for the people.



Published in The Express Tribune, July 7th, 2019.