Punjab to Build Rs 540M Floating ‘Canal Ship Restaurant’ Despite Objections

The Punjab government has officially approved the construction of a one-of-a-kind floating restaurant, the “Canal Ship Restaurant”, with an updated budget of ₨540 million. This ambitious leisure project, set to be developed along the Lahore Canal, will move forward despite strong objections from the finance department and the Planning & Development (P&D) Board, both of which questioned its necessity and rising costs.

Initially estimated at ₨350 million, the project’s price tag surged after design changes and additional features were incorporated under the supervision of NESPAK. One of the most controversial aspects is the cost per seat—roughly ₨4 million—which the finance department labeled as excessive for a public entertainment venture.

Critics have also pointed to other high-cost elements, such as a ₨50 million pedestrian bridge linking the restaurant to nearby areas, and a ₨10+ million selfie point intended to attract visitors. While supporters argue these additions will enhance the tourist appeal, opponents insist they represent unnecessary spending at a time when funds could be directed toward essential services.

Funding for the Canal Ship Restaurant will come through a supplementary grant to the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), with the P&D Board tasked to arrange the remaining budget. The PHA has already shortlisted three companies—Babar & Co, HRD Construction, and Riyaz Enterprises—to handle the construction work, ensuring that the project meets its quality and safety benchmarks.

Once completed, the floating restaurant will feature modern dining areas, outdoor seating, cafes, and play zones for children. The design aims to combine scenic water views with leisure facilities, offering residents and tourists a unique dining experience in the heart of Lahore. PHA officials say the restaurant could become a landmark attraction, boosting both local tourism and the city’s hospitality sector.

Public response to the announcement has been mixed. Some residents are excited at the prospect of a fresh, scenic entertainment option, seeing it as a step toward modernizing Lahore’s recreational spaces. Others, however, remain skeptical, worried that the high investment might not yield proportional economic or social returns.

This isn’t the first time the Lahore Canal area has been the focus of a beautification drive. In recent years, the PHA has introduced parks, picnic areas, and seasonal festivals along the waterway to encourage public engagement and tourism. The Canal Ship Restaurant is expected to be the most high-profile project yet, combining leisure, dining, and architectural novelty in one destination.

Officials have not yet confirmed the exact timeline for construction, but industry sources suggest work could begin within the next fiscal quarter, with an estimated completion period of 18 to 24 months. Once operational, the restaurant will likely be run under a semi-private management model to ensure better service quality and operational efficiency compared to fully government-run facilities.

Despite the debates over cost and priority, the Punjab government appears determined to proceed. Supporters believe that beyond providing a unique attraction, the project could create jobs, stimulate small businesses nearby, and enhance Lahore’s cultural and recreational appeal. Detractors maintain that the province should focus first on core infrastructure and public welfare projects before investing hundreds of millions into leisure facilities.

For now, the Canal Ship Restaurant stands as a bold statement of Punjab’s ambition to blend tourism, entertainment, and urban development—whether or not it proves to be a sound investment will only become clear after its grand opening.

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