LAHORE: The Punjab Masstransit Authority (PMA) has decided to start asphalt/carpeting work with immediate effect in view of the dilapidated condition of the tracks of Lahore and Rawalpindi metrobuses.

The decision was made in a hurriedly called meeting wherein the participants reached a consensus to start work immediately on the tracks in response to the media reports.

“We are starting asphalt work very soon to rehabilitate the tracks of Lahore and Rawalpindi metrobus projects,” an officer of the PMA confirmed while talking to Dawn on Monday.

“We have engaged the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to undertake the asphalt work on the 27km long track of the Lahore metrobus project. In Rawalpindi, the Rawalpindi Development Authority will carry out the work.”

To a question, he said since the start of the project in Lahore in February 2013, no major maintenance works (except patchworks, concreting etc) were done. The situation in Rawalpindi was also the same.

The official said the asphalt and other maintenance-related works would make the metrobus journey safer and smooth.

It may be mentioned that the Lahore metrobus project was launched in 2012 and completed and made operational in February 2013.

It was the first modern transport project of Pakistan, followed by the Rawalpindi and Multan metrobuses and Lahore Orange Line Metro Train projects. Lahore metrobus track has 27 bus stations from Gajjumata to Shahdara.

Published in Dawn, January 2nd, 2024