- Anser Aziz says govt wants to protect Islamabad’s green character, natural beauty
ISLAMABAD: Mayor of Islamabad Sheikh Anser Aziz has said that the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) is working on a project to launch electric buses in the national capital to provide modern transport facilities to the population residing in the rural and urban areas of the federal capital.
He expressed these views while chairing a meeting here on Sunday. The meeting discussed different options and suggestions for ensuring better transport facilities in the city. During the meeting, the consultants and MCI officials discussed different aspects of the project, including the viability of whole project, acquisition and allotment of land for terminals, routes of buses and sought suggestions for ensuring better transport facilities all over the city.
Anser Aziz directed the formation concerned to work on electrically operated buses instead of diesel or petrol-driven buses so that not only green character and natural beauty of the city could be protected but environmental pollution could also be averted.
He said that population of Islamabad has been increased by two million and in order to cater future transport requirements in the city, environment-friendly and cost-effective electric bus service would be launched. He said that initially there was a proposal of constructing a terminal for these buses at Rawat, Kashmir Highway, Tarramri Chowk, Golara Chowk, Pirwadahi and Bhara Kahu.
However, he said that more terminals would also be constructed as per need and requirement. Under this project, it was being considered that these buses may be run on different routes, including from Rawat to Faisal Mosque via Islamabad Expressway, from Bhara Kahu to Margalla Avenue via 7th Avenue, from Pirwadhai to IJP Metro Bus Station, from Nelor to Khanna Interchange, from Taramrri Chowk to Aabpara and from Golara Chowk to Kashmir Highway (Chaman Metro Bus Station).
Anser Aziz said that cost estimation of the project and other formalities were being finalised and proposals of renowned firms were being evaluated so that residents of the city could be provided this facility at the earliest.
Talking to Pakistan Today, CDA spokesperson Malik Salim said that at present the public transport comes under the control of the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration. “Metropolitan Corporation of Islamabad and Capital Development Authority aim to provide the citizens affordable, convenient and environment-friendly transport system that can be sustained and expanded without the adverse effects to environment and nature,” he said.
