LAHORE: The first China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passenger bus service was launched late Monday night on the route between Lahore and Kashgar.
It was reported that “the initiative to connect Pakistan and China via road under CPEC, passengers will require a valid visa and identity card to travel”.
Furthermore, Press Information Department in its tweet said, that the Kashgar-bound bus had left for its maiden journey from Lahore, which will take 36 hours to reach the Chinese province of Xinjiang.
Earlier, the inaugural ceremony of the CPEC passenger bus service was postponed on Nov 3.
Following this, Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal categorically rejected purported protest by India over the bus service.
Moreover, the CPEC passenger bus service is a 30-hour long trip through the northern areas of Pakistan. In addition to that, cameras have been placed inside the bus to ensure the security of the passengers.
The passengers can book their seats either from Lahore or Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
The travel documents required for the journey include; passport, CNIC, valid visa, an original invitation from China and ticket.
As per the schedule issued by the authorised operator, the bus will run four days a week – Saturday to Tuesday from Lahore and Tuesday through Friday from Kashgar.
The fare costs Rs13, 000 for one-way and Rs23, 000 for a two-way ticket. The bus service is being operated by a local transport company. The journey will have five stopovers before crossing over to China from Khunjerab.