ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to inaugurate the Rawalpindi-Islamabad metro bus service on April 30 so that the residents of the twin cities could travel on the buses on Labour Day.

The decision was taken at a review meeting of the metro bus project on Friday and the message of the Punjab chief minister and the prime minister was also conveyed to the participants.

“It is now official that the prime minister will inaugurate the bus service on April 30,” said Hanif Abbassi, the implementation committee chairman. “The time and spot for inauguration will be announced after security clearance,” he added.

The meeting held at the Convention Centre was attended by MNA Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhary, the project director, Commissioner Zahid Saeed, CDA Chairman Maroof Afzal, relevant officers and all the contractors of the project.

The sources said Mr Abbassi said the project would be a gift for the residents of the twin cities on the occasion of May 1, which is a national holiday too.

The 22.6-km-long metro bus route starts from Flashman’s Hotel, Mall Road Rawalpindi.

Since the work continues at the project from D-Chowk to Secretariat Blocks, the Bus service will initially operate up to China Chowk only.

Though the track of the bus service is almost ready, final touches are being given to the project.

Besides, several minor works still pending especially at the Peshawar Mor, including the access to the underground bus station there.

Meanwhile, talking to Dawn an official of the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) said the only work remaining at several packages includes lane marking of roads, and other minor issues.

“These things will be done even after the bus service starts functioning – especially after 8 pm when the rush hours end,” the official added.

The other major issue was the water leakage from the roof of bus stations and the officials expect to cover this up with sealants as bus stations are made up of mostly glass panels.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2015

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