Lahore, October 05, 2021 (PPI-OT): Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar inaugurated a fleet of 64 new environment-friendly buses for the Lahore metro bus service at a ceremony held at metro bus depot Ferozepur road on Monday. He formally handed over buses to Punjab Masstransit Authority and inspected the facilities after unveiling the plague.

Addressing the ceremony, the CM repeated that the provincial capital and Lahorites have significant importance while the government was striving hard to resolve their problems on a priority basis. Meanwhile, underpasses and overhead bridges were being constructed to overcome traffic problems besides improving the transport system, he continued.

This 18-meter long bus will prove the best transport facility and the Lahore Masstransit Authority will provide the best travelling facility to 1.25 lakh passengers daily, he stated. The PTI-led government has saved resources worth more than 2 billion rupees in contract with VEDA. The earlier deal was signed with a foreign company while the current contract is signed with a Pakistani company to save foreign reserves while encouraging local businesses, he appended.

The incumbent government completed and functionalized the orange line metro train project in the best national interest, he said and added that its fare is limited to Rs.40. Around 6.3 billion rupees subsidy was also being given to this project despite financial crunch, he maintained.

The CM disclosed that an electric buses project will be started in Lahore to overcome environmental pollution and new environmentally friendly buses will also be introduced in major cities of the province.

There was a shortage of passengers in feeder buses but the introduction of the cash fare system has resulted in a hundred per cent and 26 per cent increase in the number of commuters in Lahore and Multan feeder buses, respectively. Meanwhile, the enforcement of the Punjab Vehicle Inspection and Certification System in 27 districts is important in overcoming road accidents and environmental degradation, the CM said and added that the scope of such centres will be expanded to the whole of the province.

The government has also extended the duration of VICS fitness certificates for six months, he continued. Similarly, an excel load management system will be introduced in nine districts to save roads, he disclosed. Meanwhile, it is decided to expand the scope of Lahore Transport Company by renaming it as Punjab Transport Company to provide modern transport facilities in Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Mianwali and DG Khan, he said.

A modern bus terminal will be constructed at Thokar Niaz Beg with Rs. 3 billion, he stated. The government was committed to introducing a modern mass transit system in major cities to provide the best transport facilities to the general public. Public service is a priority agenda and the government will continue to serve the masses with commitment and zeal, the CM concluded. Transport Minister Jahanzeb Khichi and MD PMA also address the function. Provincial ministers Mian Mahmood Ur Rasheed, Yawar Bukhari, Mohsin Leghari, parliamentarians Sadaqat Abbasi, Karamat Khokhar, Nadeem Bara, chief secretary, secretary transport and others were also present.

For more information, contact:

Directorate General Public Relations,

Government of the Punjab

Lahore, Pakistan

Tel: +92-42-9201390-86

Website: www.punjab.gov.pk