Shaheer Ahmed
Metro Station has proven to be a blessing for Pindi and Islamabad. It has facilitated many commuters. Last year, CDA had taken over the National Highway Authority over the orders of the federal government to get buses for the Peshawar Mor to Islamabad Airport Metro route. They already constructed the metro track. The track will become operational in mid-April. Tou chalay gi metro ab Peshawar Mor sei Islamabad Airport tak.
30 buses have been ordered from China. 24 of them will carry passengers and 6 will transport extra luggage to and from the route. Half of them are manufactured and set to be shipped to Pakistan, whereas half are in the last phase of manufacturing. It is expected that they will reach by mid-April. CDA will test manually them before putting them on the road.
Initially, this project was handled by NHA for a worth of Rs. 16 million in 2017. Last year, the Federal government gave it to CDA.
A bus depot worth Rs 800 million at Peshawar Mor has also been constructed as per the details shared. The buses that are to be used in the future will also be parked. CDA Chairman Amer Ali Ahmed said, “The idea to use one depot for all buses is aimed at avoiding investing again and again on different depots.”
The bus depot will have different areas for:
- maintenance workshop
- service area
- resting area for drivers
- admin block
- parking bays, etc
The following facilities will be given:
- intelligent transportation system (automated fare collection)
- security surveillance
- bus scheduling
- vehicular location
A traffic control room has been established. A smart traffic management system will monitor traffic rules and violations.
For the public, they will provide the following facilities:
- walk-through gates
- security cameras
- Wi-Fi
- real-time passenger information display
- public announcement system
With successfully operating in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, this Metro route is a much-needed one. With fuel prices fluctuating, this will help the commuters and make their lives easier.
