‘Pindi to get 78 eco-friendly buses’

Transport minister says consultation underway for route plans

RAWALPINDI:

To enhance the quality of public transport, the Punjab government says it will run 78 electric buses on various routes in Rawalpindi.

Punjab Minister for Transport Bilal Akbar Khan made the announcement and said the routes for these buses are being planned in consultation with elected public representatives as per the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Additionally, repair work on the metro bus track has commenced and is anticipated to be completed by December.

Addressing a press conference in Rawalpindi, The minister shared that his visit to the city was directed by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, focusing on resolving transport issues in Rawalpindi through discussions with members of the national and provincial assemblies. The public transport project, featuring 78 electric buses, will begin next year, with the buses set to operate on six routes, including Taxila, Wah Cantt, IJ Principal Road to Chungi No 26, and Daultana to Rawalpindi.

Route proposals have been solicited from local assembly members to ensure comprehensive coverage.

He criticised the previous government for neglecting the maintenance of the metro bus system, noting that the current administration has initiated repair work on the metro track, with completion expected by December. He emphasised that despite propaganda against the PML-N for constructing the metro bus, millions of citizens now rely on this service. Without the metro bus, the condition of the roads would have significantly deteriorated.

Highlighting the accomplishments of the current administration, he mentioned that 32 new field hospitals have been incorporated into Punjab's healthcare system within a hundred days. These hospitals provide essential services, including delivery, dispensary, and pharmacy facilities, benefiting 30,000 to 35,000 people daily with free treatment. Additionally, a farmers' package is being introduced, allowing farmers to obtain fertilizer without interest. Significant changes have also been implemented in the police force to address harassment complaints against women.

The provincial minister announced that 20,000 students would receive motorbikes without interest, and 7,500 women have applied for e-bikes, all of whom will receive them. He also stated that every institution in Punjab has been digitised, allowing files to reach officers instantly. The Dastak Project has been launched to deliver certificates and vehicle files to homes for a fee of Rs900, with Rs100 retained by the Punjab government. Already, 10,000 people have joined this system.

Minister Khan emphasised that the current administration does not engage in the politics of vandalism and dismissed the opposition's claims of election theft as outdated. He challenged PTI supporters to compare their performance, asserting that the current administration's accomplishments within a hundred days surpass those of PTI. He criticised the chief minister of KP for his lacklustre performance and emphasised the importance of national unity for development and economic stability.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 7^th, 2024.