Staff Reporter
RAWALPINDI:Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday announced major development initiatives for the garrison city, including a Rs30 billion signal-free corridor and the expansion of electric bus fleet from 45 to 80 vehicles, alongside a range of transport, infrastructure and welfare projects.Speaking at the inauguration of the Electro Bus Phase-II project, the chief minister said work on the 25-kilometre signal-free corridor – featuring nine underpasses and three flyovers- had commenced and would be completed next year, providing relief to an estimated 200,000 daily commuters.Maryam said besides 80 buses for the Rawalpindi city, their overall number for the division would be increased up to 145, including 15 each for Jhelum, Chakwal and Attock, ensuring modern and environmentally-friendly transport system in the entire region.The increase in electric buses, she added, formed part of the government’s wider plan to introduce 1,100 green buses across Punjab by December. The service, she said, offered Rs20 fare, with women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and students travelling free of cost. She said the buses were equipped with Wi-Fi, charging ports, CCTV monitoring, wheelchair space and separate compartments for women.
