LAHORE, Nov 18: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif visited the Metro Bus Project for over four hours on Sunday without any protocol and reviewed the pace of work at different sections from Gajjumatta to Shahdara.

The Lahore Development Authority director general briefed him on the under-construction bus depot, construction of additional bridge along Lahore Bridge, construction of underpass at Model Town Mor and the pace of work at various sections of the project.

The chief minister sought planning for the use of solar energy at the bus stations to be constructed for the metro bus service.

Talking to people at various places during his visit, he criticised the elements critical of the project, saying they were not interested in solving the people’s problems but only wanted to fill their pockets.

He alleged that instead of spending funds on people’s welfare, the worst kind of corruption and loot was carried out by the previous regime. He said had resources been spent on the progress and prosperity of the masses, there would not have been such problems.

He said the bus service was a dream which would soon be realised as work was continuing round the clock on the project and its completion would give a new identity to Lahore besides modernising the public transport system.

Reviewing the pace of work on the under-construction metro bus depot near Gajjumatta, the chief minister expressed his satisfaction and said it should be a state-of-the-art facility.

While reviewing construction work of additional bridge along Lahore Bridge, he directed that the work should be further accelerated.

He also saw the overhead bridge constructed in front of the Children’s Hospital as well as the e-ticketing system and said all overhead bridges should be made eye-catching and planning should also be made for the use of solar energy at bus stations.

He said an underpass would be constructed for making Kalma Chowk signal-free.