Restoration work in Lahore’s historic Walled City has slowed because of a shortage of funds. Meanwhile, the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) is seeking more money from the Punjab government. Specifically, it wants to meet its December 2026 deadline. The Lahore Walled City restoration funds shortfall now totals at least Rs15.2 billion across the authority’s Phase-I projects.
Where the Lahore Walled City restoration funds are needed
Specifically, the funding gap breaks down across five heads:
| Project | Estimated cost | Additional funds needed |
|---|---|---|
| Neela Gumbad underground parking plaza | Rs2.4bn | Rs500m |
| Nasir Bagh underground parking plaza | Rs1.6bn | Rs600m |
| Shah Alam Market upgrades | — | Rs600m |
| Historic gates and Spice Market | — | Rs500m |
| Parking plazas and shops at Mochi, Sheranwala and Taksali gates | — | Rs13bn |
The two underground parking plazas at Neela Gumbad and Nasir Bagh are the flagship Phase-I builds. In addition, the authority has requested Rs600 million for improvements at Shah Alam Market. For example, this covers facade restoration, moving electricity wires underground and repairing the sewerage system.
Another Rs500 million is needed to improve the appearance of historic gates. Specifically, these include Yakki Gate, Taksali Gate and Mochi Gate, along with the Spice Market. Overhead wires will be relocated underground. Moreover, the biggest single ask is the Rs13 billion. It will fund underground parking plazas and shops at Mochi Gate, Sheranwala Gate and Taksali Gate.
Delays could push costs higher
The WCLA has warned that funding delays have slowed progress. It says the delays could push up overall project costs. Consequently, it has urged the provincial government to release the required money. This would keep the work on schedule. WCLA conservation director Azeem Dad expressed confidence in the timeframe. In fact, he said the projects would still finish within the stipulated period. In addition, he said work would accelerate once the funds were released.
Indeed, the funding crunch is not the first hurdle for the programme. Earlier this month we reported on the Walled City’s underground wiring and parking plaza plans. In fact, these laid out the authority’s Phase-I ambitions. However, the latest figures show how far the cost has outrun the money available.
Why the Walled City matters
Lahore’s Walled City is one of Pakistan’s richest heritage zones. Indeed, it is home to centuries-old gates, mosques, shrines and bazaars. The restoration programme aims to preserve that fabric. At the same time, it aims to fix the area’s chronic infrastructure problems. These include tangled overhead wires, failing sewerage and a shortage of parking. The shortage chokes its narrow streets.
The project sits alongside other major public works reshaping Lahore. For example, there is the Rs400 million upgrade of the national hockey stadium. Meanwhile, there are also the everyday pressures of city life. These include the recent naan price increase to Rs35. Whether the December 2026 deadline holds will depend on one thing. Finally, it depends on how quickly the Punjab government opens its purse.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Walled City restoration delayed?
The Walled City of Lahore Authority says a shortage of funds has slowed Phase-I projects. It has asked the Punjab government for additional money. As a result, the goal is to meet the December 2026 deadline.
How much more money does the WCLA need?
At least Rs15.2 billion is needed. The breakdown: Rs500m for Neela Gumbad plaza, Rs600m for Nasir Bagh plaza and Rs600m for Shah Alam Market. In addition, Rs500m will go to historic gates and the Spice Market. Finally, Rs13bn is earmarked for plazas at Mochi, Sheranwala and Taksali gates.
What work is planned at Shah Alam Market?
Facade restoration, moving electricity wires underground and repairing the sewerage system.
Will the December 2026 deadline be met?
WCLA conservation director Azeem Dad says the projects will finish on time. Moreover, he says work will accelerate once funding is released. However, the authority warns that delays could raise overall costs.
