NHA seeks Rs1.5b for metro bus extension

funds have been sought under the Public Sector Development Programme 2019-20

ISLAMABAD: The National Highway Authority (NHA) has asked the government to release up to Rs1.5 billion for completion of metro bus project stretching from Peshawar Mor to Islamabad International Airport (IIA).

The funds have been demanded under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2019-20.

The previous government had planned to build the 25.6 kilometre extension of the metro bus to the new airport to facilitate travellers who otherwise complain of high cab fares between Rs500 to Rs1,200.

The project had been set in motion in January 2017 and was expected to be completed in March 2018 of that year to coincide with what was the original inauguration date for the IIA.

The project had been divided into four packages including package-I, an 8km-long stretch from Peshawar Mor to the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), package-II is a 3.8km-long stretch from NUST to the Grand Trunk (GT) Road. Package-III is an 8.3km-long stretch from GT road to the Motorway interchange. The underpasses and bridges of package-IV of the project have been completed so far however the overall completion of project is facing a delay.

The route will have nine bus stations including one at NHA station, one at Sector G-10, one at NUST, Sector G-13, GT Road, Badana Kalan, M1-M2 Junction and at the airport.

Metro Bus extension: NHA assures timely completion

The project comprises eight bridges, 14 underpasses and 28 culverts. The project will see the construction of a dedicated, two-lane, signal-free corridor with 9.6–10.4 meter-wide sections on the ground and in trenches and 22.5 – 23.7 metre-wide sections at the stations.

Moreover, a three-lane carriageway with shoulders on either side of the metro corridor from the Golra Morr Interchange to the GT Road Interchange would be built to ensure the free flow of traffic and turnings along with the construction of flyovers and underpasses on existing roads and allied works.

With the inauguration of New Islamabad International Airport at the western corner of the capital city, the housing activity had geared up and people living in the area were anxiously waiting for the operationalisation of metro bus service.

Furthermore, common people were also forced to pay heavy cab fares to reach the new airport to get their flight in the absence of metro bus service.

According to senior officials, over 90 per cent work is completed as bus corridor is ready for use while the finishing work on two out of total seven bus stations was pending.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 9^th, 2019.