Shahbaz reviews transport projects

[Salman]

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif Thursday reviewed progress on mega projects of transport and infrastructure sector in the province.
Presiding over a meeting here, the chief minister said that Punjab government has adopted a solid strategy for the improvement of infrastructure and provision of quality and modern transport facilities to the masses.
He said that mega projects of billions of rupees for improving infrastructure have been completed in the province within a record period and work is in progress speedily on several other projects.
He said that transparency, standard and speedy completion of development projects is the hallmark of Punjab government, therefore, third party audit has been made compulsory for ensuring transparency in development projects.
He said that after Lahore, Pakistan Metro Bus project has been highly appreciated by the masses and lakhs of people are travelling daily through the metro bus service and reaching their destination in time. "Metro bus system is greatly facilitating the masses", he added.
The chief minister said that metro bus project has also been started in Multan and work is being carried out round the clock on this project of public welfare.
He said that metro bus projects are splendid example of utilization of resources on the masses and the people are witness to this fact.
The chief minister said that Orange Line Metro Train Project is being started in Lahore with the cooperation of China. "Lahore Orange Line Metro Train Project will be another gift of Punjab government to the masses and this masterpiece will change transport culture", he added.
He said that metro train project will also be an example of standard and transparency like other development projects.
The chief minister while issuing instructions for setting up two sub-committees with regard to Orange Line Metro Train Project, said that a committee will consider the matters regarding design of the stations of metro train & other issues and the other committee will deal with technical matters of the project.
The chief minister directed that a separate project portal should be developed with regard to Orange Line Metro Train Project and help of Punjab Information Technology Board should be acquired for this purpose.
He further directed that provision of light to the stations through solar energy should also be considered. Orange Line Metro Train Project is of vital importance and work should be carried out speedily for its early implementation, he added.
Shahbaz Sharif said that modern means of communication are basic requirement for speedy development and Punjab government is paying special attention to the improvement of this sector. "NESPAK and other concerned institutions will have to build their capacity in view of mega projects and future requirements and they should take immediate steps for this purpose", he added.
The meeting also considered various matters relating to southern loop of Lahore Ring Road.
Chairman Lahore Transport Company Kh. Ahmed Hassan, Chief Secretary Khizar Hayat Gondal, Commissioner Rawalpindi, Managing Director Punjab Metro Bus Authority, Chairman Planning & Development, Commissioner Lahore Division, Managing Director NESPAK, Director General LDA and senior officials attended the meeting whereas former MNA Hanif Abbasi participated in the meeting through video link from Commissioner Office Rawalpindi.
Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2015