LAHORE, Jan 23: Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi gave on Thursday a formal approval to the mono rail project for Lahore which, he said, should be completed in one year instead of the estimated 18 months.

He gave the approval during a meeting on the provision of transport facilities in big cities in the province, including Lahore.

The meeting was also attended by the Chinese members of the joint China-Italy consortium which will provide round-the-clock service over a 25-kilometre track linking Lahore airport’s new terminal complex with Shahdara Town.

The light rail would be run over a 17-foot high track to be laid via Ravi Road and Bhati Chowk.

The project would involve 85 per cent foreign investment while the remaining amount would be provided by the provincial government.

The consortium had quoted the lowest price in an international bid invited some time ago and the train would link the entire city to the new terminal of the airport.

According to official sources, the consortium had estimated 18 months as the installation period of the train but the chief minister said it should be completed in one year.

For that purpose, sources said, he directed the provincial transport department to immediately complete the required survey and technical study. He also directed it to ensure that all legal requirements be completed through a one-window operation so that the project could be launched in time.

The chief minister said the rail service would help resolve the pollution problem in the city, besides catering to the transport needs of the population.

For resolving the pollution problem the government was making an action plan to popularize CNG driven vehicles in the province, the chief minister said.

Meanwhile, according to an official handout, Mr Elahi said a comprehensive plan was being made to provide transport facilities in big cities in the province.

He said the province was devising an action plan with the help of the federal government to control pollution.

PUJ DELEGATION: During a meeting with a delegation of the Punjab Union of Journalists, he said the government believed in the freedom of the press and welcomed all positive criticism.

He said independent public opinion was vital to strengthen the democratic system and media was an effective source of communication between the government and the people.

He said there was no undue pressure on the press, therefore, journalists should safeguard national interests at all level.

Mr Elahi said the government was fully aware of newsmen’s problems and would take steps for their resolution.

The government would sympathetically consider the demand of providing free health facilities and residences to them, concluded Mr Elahi.