Islamabad: Swedish firm declines to conduct feasibility study on RMTS

[Naveed Yaseen]

By Fazal Sher
ISLAMABAD: A firm hired by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for conducting feasibility study on Rapid Mass Transit System (RMTS) has declined to work citing security reasons therefore the CDA is likely to hire a new firm for the project.

M/S Reklers, a Swedish firm, was selected by CDA a few months ago for conducting feasibility study on RMTS but two weeks ago, the firm declined to work at present, citing deteriorating law and order situation in the country, an official told Daily Times on Monday. He said the CDA had sent a letter to the firm asking it when, if not at present, it could start work. “If the firm doesn’t clear the situation within the next few days, the Authority will hire a new firm for the project,” he said. He said the CDA high-ups had decided that the project would not be delayed because traffic problems were increasing. The CDA had allocated Rs 70 million for feasibility study on RMTS in budget 2008-09 and it will also make allocations for the project in budget 2009-10, he said.

He said the feasibility study would cover underground, on-ground and overhead travelling facilities between the twin cities and the stipulated time for it is eight months. He said according to a study conducted by the CDA, private transport is the major means of mobility for citizens between the two cities as 1,600 vans and minibuses are plying on 16 routes. There is no organised bus service and the level of service offered by private transporters is far below any acceptable standard.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...009_pg7_18