August 26, 2006	Saturday	Sha'aban 1, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 25: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has approved revival of the Mass Transit Authority under the railways ministry to provide quicker, reliable and safer journey to people in big cities.

The decision was taken by the prime minister while presiding over a meeting held at the PM’s House to review the plans to set up rapid mass transit systems in big cities.

The authority will also arrange loans on lenient terms from donor agencies for development of mass transit systems.

Prime Minister Aziz said high growth rate of the population in major cities was causing a strain on the transport system. He said it was adding to congestion on roads, environmental pollution and external costs to the economy and there was an urgent need to plan rail-based mass transit systems in the big cities.

He said the systems would ensure a safe, secure, comfortable, reliable, affordable and environmentally acceptable mode of transportation for people.

He said setting up of the systems would lead to creation of jobs, generation of economic and commercial activities and development of state land.

Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed gave a presentation highlighting the traffic problems faced by the big cities and the need for revival of the authority.