Funding holdup stalls metro stations’ revamp

PMA’s delay in releasing Rs1.2b has left 24 Metro Bus stations in twin cities in a state of disrepair

RAWALPINDI:

The Punjab Masstransit Authority (PMA) is yet to release Rs1.2 billion for the essential maintenance, repair, and renovation of the 24 Rawalpindi Metro Bus stations located between the twin cities.

Despite the ongoing challenges, the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) completed the renovation of the 6th Road Metro Bus station for Rs100 million. This station had suffered damage during the May 9 riots following the arrest of PTI chairman Imran Khan. The protesters severely damaged the entire structure of the metro station, including setting parts of it on fire. The station’s escalators, elevators, ticketing booths, air-conditioning systems, and automatic doors were damaged and remained out of service for quite some time.

The RDA has also embarked on the maintenance and renovation of three deteriorated Metro Bus stations – Committee Chowk, Khatam-e-Nabuwwat, and Faizabad.

Constructed for Rs44 billion in just 11 months, the Rawalpindi Metro Bus System (RMS) has been providing high-quality travel facilities to the citizens since 2015. The mega project still awaits maintenance of its infrastructure. The RDA has submitted a Rs1.2 billion proposal to the PMA for approval, yet funds have not been allocated.

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The affordable bus service covers 24 kilometres from Saddar, Rawalpindi to Pak Secretariat, Islamabad with stations after each kilometre. Approximately 200,000 passengers benefit from this travel facility every day but despite serving such a huge number of commuters daily, the metro bus service has suffered significant wear and tear over the past nine years. While partial work with limited funds is ongoing, all 24 stations exhibit signs of neglect – peeling paint, damaged chairs, non-functional fans, and broken lights. Station floors are prone to cracks and leaks, while escalators and elevators are also in disrepair.

The service provides citizens with quality and affordable travel. The metro bus has stations built every one kilometre to facilitate residents of different areas. However, the overall situation at the bus stations depicts negligence and carelessness on the part of the officials concerned.

Sources within the RDA have stated that the authority will commence maintenance, repair, and renovation work promptly upon receiving the necessary funds from the PMA.

In a related development, the Rs100 million project initiated by the RDA for the repair and extension of Asghar Mall Road from Murree Road to Chungi No 4 is in its final stages of completion.

The 6th Road Metro Bus station has already been restored and made functional, while work on three more stations has been initiated.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 28^th, 2024.