TAXILA: Punjab Minister for Transport Bilal Akbar Khan has said that the provincial transport system will be revamped and upgraded to ensure provision of quality travel facilities to the passengers.

He was talking to mediapersons at Attock general bus stand on Friday.

Deputy Commissioner Rao Atif Raza, Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue Waqas Aslam Marth, Additional Deputy Commissioner General Aneel Saeed, Assistant Commissioner City Shagufta Jabeen and Secretary district Regional Transport Authority Zaheer Ahmed Khan were also present on the occasion.

The minister said the Punjab government would purchase 3,000 new buses to improve public transport. He directed the officers concerned to implement axle-load management rules, ban use of LPG cylinders in public transport and take measures to minimise road accidents.

Mr Khan said public transport was not allowed to come on roads without a fitness certificate.

He said a digital fitness system was being introduced for public transport under which fitness certificates and vehicle number plates will be attached together with QR code.

He said the fitness of the vehicle would be checked through the QR code. He said that vehicles emitting smoke will not be allowed on the roads to prevent environmental pollution.

The minister said the Punjab government was providing free solar systems to those consumers consuming electricity up to 200 units while those consuming above 200 units can get new solar systems on installments.

Likewise, he added, farmers were being provided 50-60pc subsidy on purchase of tractors. He said they were working hard to meet the targets the Chief Minister had given to them in improving the public service delivery system and relief to the people.

Earlier, the minister along with administrative officials visited the bus stand and reviewed in detail all the facilities provided to the passengers.

He also checked the ticket counter, bus sheds, water coolers installed for supplying cold drinking water and compound washrooms for the convenience of passengers at the bus stand. He directed the district administration to ensure the provision of best facilities to the passengers.

He also met transporters and inquired about their problems. He assured them that their problems would be solved on priority basis.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2024