Metro buses to run soon: Shahbaz

[Salman]

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif visited Metro Bus Project without any security and protocol early in the morning on Saturday and reviewed the pace of construction work at different sections of the project from Gajjumata to Azadi Chowk.

Speaking on the occasion, the CM said that metro bus project would bring about a revolution in transport sector as it was not merely a project but a mission of public service. He said the people would soon see metro buses running on the roads which would automatically silence the so-called critics. He said that temporary inconvenience of the people was soon going to turn into permanent relief. He said after Lahore, the metro bus project would also be started in other major cities of the province.

He said negligence in metro bus project would not be tolerated. He said that all-out resources were being provided for the completion of the work on time.

The chief minister inspected construction work at various sections and issued instructions to the authorities concerned to further accelerate speed of the construction work.

He also inspected elevated section of metro bus project near Taxali Chowk and expressed satisfaction over the pace of the work.He inspected the project for more than three hours.

Later, he presided over a meeting to review the pace of implementation of metro bus project at Model Town for about two hours.

LTC Chairman Kh Ahmad Hasaan, parliamentarians Dr Saeed Elahi, Mian Muhammad Nauman, Mehr Ishtiaq Ahmad, the officers concerned and contractors were also present.

The chief minister said that the work on the project should continue without delay as there was a race against time. He directed that the hurdles in the way of the project should immediately be removed and the entire work should be completed on time through a better coordination.

He said that the work on bus stations should also continue simultaneously while efforts should be made for speedy completion of the park and ride stations.

He has sought a briefing next week about all minor and major work at all sections of the project and directed the authorities concerned that the briefing should be realistic and the date of completion of every work should also be given.

He said that there was a need for further expediting the work on some sections. The chief minister directed the PHA DG to start horticulture and landscaping work along the route of metro bus project as soon as possible. He said that public transport would also be run beyond Gajjumata and Shahdara for the convenience of the people.

He issued orders for stern actions against the LDA officials involved in fraud in state land and directed constitution of a committee headed by Board of Revenue senior member to present a report after conducting an inquiry.He directed that the Wasa MD should also attend every meeting in future and give a briefing regarding the issues concerning Wasa.

The LDA DG and contractors apprised the chief minister of the pace of work on every section of the project.