Business model for metro stations in the offing

The Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMTA) Board of Governors has approved in principle the introduction of a business model for the Metro Bus Service and Orange Line Metro Train stations.

A proposal to set up stalls, shops, ATMs and vending machines at the stations was reviewed in a meeting of the board on Saturday.

Consultation was also held during the meeting to introduce digital streamer, glass board at the stations along with various other tools of advertisement.

The board approved the extension of the contract of the Bahawalpur-Lodhran Speedo Bus Service.

Approval in principle was also granted to avail the services of a private contractor for the Lodhran Bus Service through the Punjab Transport Company.

Presiding over the meeting, Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued directions to improve the transport system in Bahawalpur.

Matters relating to the Islamabad, Rawalpindi Metro Bus were also reviewed.

The chief secretary, IG of police, chairman of Planning and Development Board, secretaries of finance and transport, officials of the PMTA and other senior officers attended the meeting, while the deputy commissioner of Bahawalpur participated through video link.

In another meeting, the Lahore commissioner and LDA director general informed the caretaker CM that a walk and shop arena had been constructed in Johar Town on 130 kanals of land.

Business opportunities for 84 units along with rooftop restaurants are available in the arena along with parking facilities of more than 500 vehicles. Children’s recreation facilities, including a zip line, roller coaster and amusement park, will also be available in the arena.

The caretaker CM visited the Italian, American, Chinese, Spanish and Mughal style pavilions and called for early auction of the project in a transparent manner.

He also directed the officials concerned to complete the Akbar Chowk flyover project in August.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 28^th, 2023.