All transport terminals to shift near Ring Road
Though one the busiest roads in the twin cities, Pirwadhai Road is neglected by authorities. PHOTO: FILE
A decision has been taken to shift Pirwadhai General Bus Stand, along with all 44 small and large public transport terminals, all goods transport terminals, and the Islamabad fruit and vegetable market to locations near the Rawalpindi Ring Road.
The General Bus Stand was shifted from Liaquat Bagh to Pirwadhai in 1975 by former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. At that time, the relocation triggered major protests in the city, and transporters observed a complete strike for a week before the matter was resolved.
In addition, terminals at Faizabad, Chungi No. 26, and other areas are also being shifted. No heavy transport will be allowed to enter Rawalpindi city, and the entry of heavy vehicles will be completely banned. Any heavy vehicle entering the city will be impounded.
Pirwadhai General Bus Stand will come under full ownership of the Punjab government and will serve as a terminal for inter-district, intra-city, and Rawalpindi-Islamabad route vehicles.
Local buses for Rawalpindi and Islamabad will operate from here, with fares ranging from Rs20 to Rs50.
Transport coming from Peshawar will be given a terminal near Islamabad Airport, while all transport from Punjab will be routed through the Ring Road. Traffic from Azad Kashmir via Murree will stop near Bharakahu, while traffic from other districts will be routed through Rawat on the Ring Road.
Currently, the Ring Road is being completed from Rawat to the new airport. Once the section from Islamabad Airport to Bharakahu is completed, traffic from Bharakahu will also be shifted to Rawat. The project was approved by former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi in 2004 but faced delays. After completion, government buses, wagons, and public transport will operate to bring passengers into the city.