Metrobus tracks to undergo revamp

From potholes to structural concerns, the restoration aims to ensure safe travel

RAWALPINDI:

The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has initiated the process of consultation for the rehabilitation of the 24 km track of the metro bus service connecting Rawalpindi and Islamabad after securing Rs719 million from the Pakistan Mass Transit Authority (PMA).

The track has fallen into disrepair since 2015, as maintenance has been neglected, leading to hazardous conditions.

The 10 km flyover route of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad metro bus service, situated within Rawalpindi, and the 14 km track within Islamabad, have developed potholes due to the lack of maintenance since the commencement of operations in 2015. Over the past nine years, the condition of all 24 stations along with their corridors has significantly deteriorated, with joints of the flyover route posing potential risks.

The last Pak Secretariat station of the metro bus service has also been adversely affected by continuous water ingress, impacting construction.

The deteriorating condition of the metro bus service’s routes, including potholes, prompted the Pakistan Mass Transit Authority (PMA) to approach the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), the executing agency of the project, for a complete restoration. The PMA allocated funds amounting to Rs719 million for this purpose, based on an estimate. Subsequently, the RDA, responsible for the project, initiated the process of appointing a consultant before commencing the restoration work.

Sources within the RDA have confirmed that the project is expected to be completed within two months once the consultant is hired.

The comprehensive restoration will encompass all 24 stations and the entire route of the metro bus service.

It is noteworthy that the metro bus service, initiated on June 3, 2015, connecting Rawalpindi and Islamabad, has suffered from a lack of infrastructure upkeep and reconstruction since its completion in eleven months for a cost of Rs44 billion. Despite providing high-quality travel facilities to citizens, the service has been without maintenance or repair for nine years. The RDA prepared the restoration project, which was subsequently approved by the Mass Transit Authority, leading to the release of funds.

The metro bus service, spanning 24 kilometres from Rawalpindi’s Saddar to Pak Secretariat in Islamabad, with a station every kilometre, initially aimed to offer quality and affordable travel facilities. However, over the years, the infrastructure suffered significant damage, necessitating a comprehensive restoration.

The allocated funds may not cover the full extent of required repairs, indicating the need for additional funding. Yet, PMA has not addressed another proposal concerning these issues.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 13^th, 2024.