Rawalpindi transport revamp in flux

Integrated Transport System remains a pipe dream amid protests and dengue crisis

RAWALPINDI:

The much-anticipated launch of the Rawalpindi Integrated Transport System has been delayed due to recurrent protests, sit-ins, and the administration's preoccupation with anti-dengue efforts in the city.

The project, which was approved during the previous government, aimed to overhaul the city's public transport system by introducing 78 modern buses that would operate on all major and minor routes, effectively replacing the inefficient private transport network.

According to a senior official from the Regional Transport Authority, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the project was set to be executed in two phases. The first phase would see the launch of the new transport system on 34 routes across the city.

Two bus depots had already been allocated for parking the fleet. The system was to be supervised by the Punjab Mass Transit Authority, with fare structures and schedules aligned with the existing Metro Bus Service.

"The public transport project was nearly ready for launch," the official said, adding that the system was intended to function as a feeder service for the Metro Bus.

The fleet of 78 mini feeder buses would have connected various key locations, including Swaan bus terminal, GT Road, Flashman Chowk, Haider Road, Islamabad Expressway, and Rawalpindi's major railway stations, among other key stops across the city.

Despite the readiness of the project, frequent violent protests, sit-ins, and the city's focus on anti-dengue measures have caused significant delays. "This is a government-to-government project, with buses arriving from China and other countries. Once operational, the buses will integrate with metro stations, offering passengers luxury travel at affordable rates," the official explained.

The official expressed hope that if Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took a personal interest in the project, the Rawalpindi Integrated Transport System could be launched soon.

Introducing a fleet of 78 busses would significantly alleviate the strain on busy thoroughfares such as Murree Road, which is plagued by heavy encroachments, especially between the Benazir Bhutto General Hospital and Marrir Chowk.