RAWALPINDI: Punjab Minister for Transport Bilal Akbar Khan on Thursday said that 78 electric buses will ply on six routes in Rawalpindi by January next, with three additional routes will be proposed by National and Provincial Assembly members.

He said that the garrison city would see a significant increase in public transportation, with 200 buses expected to be operational in the next two years. He stated this during his visit Rawalpindi on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to address traffic issues in the city.

At a meeting at the Commissioner Office Rawalpindi, Transport Secretary Rawalpindi Rashid Ali and metro bus project officials briefed the minister on the current state of transportation in Rawalpindi.

The minister highlighted the success of the metro bus project, which was built eight to nine years ago, saying it was neglected by the previous government. Despite propaganda, the metro bus has turned out to be popular, as over 150,000 passengers daily travel in Rawalpindi and one million across Punjab, he added.

He said that if there had been no metro buses today, the condition of the roads would have been worsened due to huge traffic.

He further said that Punjab chief minister added 32 new field hospitals in the health care system in 100 days where over 30,000 people get free treatment daily.

He said the government was bringing packages for farmers and they will be able to get fertilizer without interest.

He said actions are being taken against complaints of harassment of women. He said 20,000 students will be given motorbikes without interest and e-bikes will be given in two years installments, he added.

The minister said 7,500 girls have applied for e-bikes and we are planning that all of them get bikes. He said a project named Maryam ke Dastak has been launched under which marriage certificates, e-registration, B forms and vehicle files will reach the doorsteps of people.

Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2024