KARACHI, June 21: Over 150 inter-city bus terminals established in various residential and commercial areas will be shifted to defunct KTC's depots at Model Colony, Orangi, Gulistan-e-Jauhar and Malir.

A decision in this regard was taken at a meeting of Transport and Communication Department, chaired by City Nazim Naimatullah Khan. The said department has estimated the cost at Rs15 million.

The meeting was informed that facilities of waiting rooms, toilets, telephone booths, restaurants, bus repair workshop, medical store, ambulance and fire fighting services, and other amenities would be provided at all such bus terminals.

While, plantation inside and outside the terminals would be carried out for beautification of the environment. Naimat observed that the inter-city bus terminals besides disturbing people, were particularly known to be causing traffic problems.

He, therefore, directed that construction of terminals, with all mentioned facilities, be started forthwith, further instructing that all bottlenecks in the process be removed.

It was further decided that these terminals, in the second phase, would be shifted from KTC depots to highways in order to reduce traffic pressure on intra-city roads.

Naimat, in this regard called for identifying places for these inter-city bus terminals on RCD Highway for buses coming from Balochistan, and on National and Super Highways for buses from the NWFP, Punjab and Sindh. He directed that a report be submitted to him in this regard within seven days.

He also called for making arrangements for shuttle service to and from these terminals. In order to check encroachment, Naimat ordered for boundary walls to be constructed around these terminals.

While, he said that a comprehensive plan also be chalked out for local bus terminals, keeping in view public transport routes, and identification of land for an additional terminal.

The meeting also reviewed the performance of Green Bus Service. DCO Mir Hussain Ali directed that their operation be made exemplary and showcause notices be issued on irregularities. EDO Transport Dr Tahir Soomro, on the occasion, informed that 32 sites had been spotted for local bus terminals. -APP