Proposals for metro bus project get final shape

[Salman]

ISLAMABAD, July 2 (APP): On the directions of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, CDA’s planning wing has finalized proposals to launch Metro Bus project in the capital, official sources in CDA said on Tuesday. The sources told APP that Metro Bus route will be devised in a manner that maximum people benefit from the modern, comfortable and affordable facility for commuters between the twin cities.

“Talks are in process with Rawalpindi administration to work out the financial contribution for constructing Rawalpindi segment of metro bus, an official said.
The sources further said that immediate steps for resolving the urban problems of Islamabad and launching development projects were also considered and proposals for metro bus project were given final shape.
A planning wing official informed APP that about 48 diesel run buses would initially be purchased by CDA through open bidding.
When asked why the cost of metro service was lesser than the bus service of Lahore, the official said Lahore was a congested city so the engineers of Punjab government had to work out an elevated expressway for smooth operation of metro buses.
“In Islamabad, we have well-planned and wide roads and don’t need any separate expressway. The only cost on the project will be on the purchase of buses, development of terminals and bus depots having workshops and parking spaces.”
It is pertinent to mention here that earlier Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced launch of Metro Bus Service for twin cities on February 24 this year and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif repeated the same announcement on May 7 during an election rally in Rawalpindi before the general elections.