LAHORE: The first ever mega public transport project in the history of Pakistan has started today that is completed with a cost of Rs. 70 billion (Pak rupees) in Lahore. Punjab government claims that project has been competed with a cost of Rs. 30 billion but independent sources are of the view that cost is Rs. 70. Since this project was not shown in budget and bidding of project was finalised without following normal procedures therefore nothing is confirmed about the actual cost of this project.
Lahore Metro Bus Service project was inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif at a ceremony here on Sunday and a Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey was also present as this project has been completed with the support of Turkish firms. Former Prime Minister and PML (N) President Mian Nawaz Sharif was also present on this occasion. 27- kilometer long distance from Gajjumata to Shahdara would be covered in 55 minutes.
The new bus service would be free of charge for the general public for the first four weeks. A modern e-ticketing system has been introduced for the bus project, which would have special reserved seats for women and the disabled.
The routes and stations were decorated with fresh flowers and posters representing Pakistani culture. Lahoris danced to drums celebrating the new service introduced by the Punjab government.