64 new buses to circulate in town: CM

The provincial government on Monday added 64 new “environmentally friendly” buses to the Lahore metro bus service fleet. In a ceremony held at the Metro Bus depot on Ferozepur Road, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar officially handed over the buses to the Punjab Masstrasit Authority and inspected the facilities after unveiling the plaque .

Addressing the ceremony, the chief minister said the provincial capital and the Lahorites are of significant importance as the government strives to resolve their issues as a matter of priority. “Underpasses and overhead bridges were being built to overcome traffic problems in addition to improving the transportation system,” he continued. This 18-meter-long bus will prove to be the best form of transport and the Lahore Masstransit Authority will provide the best means of transport to 125,000 passengers per day, he noted.

“The PTI-led government has saved resources worth over Rs 2 billion under contract with VEDA Transit Solutions (Pvt) Ltd,” he said. “The previous agreement was signed with a foreign company while the current contract is signed with a Pakistani company to save foreign exchange reserves while encouraging local businesses,” he added. The current government has completed and functionalized the Orange Line metro train project in the best national interest, he said, adding that its fare is limited to Rs 40.

A grant of around 6.3 billion rupees is also given to this project despite the financial crisis. The CM revealed that an electric bus project will be launched in Lahore to overcome environmental pollution and that new environmentally friendly buses will also be introduced in major cities in the province. There was a shortage of passengers on the supply buses, but the introduction of the cash payment system resulted in a 100% and 26% increase in the number of commuters on the Lahore and Multan supply buses, respectively.

At the same time, the application of Punjab’s vehicle inspection and certification system in 27 districts is important to overcome road accidents and environmental degradation, the CM said, adding that the scope of these centers will be extended to the whole of the province. The government has also extended the duration of VICS proficiency certificates by six months, he continued. Likewise, an Excel load management system will be introduced in nine districts to save roads, he revealed.

Meanwhile, it was decided to extend the reach of Lahore Transport Company by renaming it Punjab Transport Company to provide modern transport facilities in Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Mianwali and DG Khan, Buzdar said. A modern bus terminal will be built at Thokar Niaz Beg at a cost of Rs3 billion. “The government is committed to introducing a modern public transportation system in major cities to provide the best transportation facilities to the general public. Public service is a priority program and the government will continue to serve the masses with commitment and zeal ”, concluded the CM. Transport Minister Jahazeb Khichi and MD PMA also discuss the function. Provincial ministers Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed, Yawar Bukhari, Mohsin Leghari, parliamentarians Sadaqat Abbasi, Karamat Khokhar, Nadeem Bara, chief secretary, secretary of transport and others were also present. Earlier, Buzdar chaired a meeting to review the elevated highway project.

Provincial ministers Mian Aslam Iqbal, Asad Khokhar, DG LDA and others attended the meeting. The CM has given its approval in principle for the construction of an elevated motorway from Gulberg to the M2 motorway. This highway will cover Canal Bank Road, Jail Road, Ferozepur Road, Multan Road, Bund Road to Babu Sabu and a bus crossing will also be built next to it.