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Sargodha, Jul 14 (APP):Under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a modern electric bus service project is being launched soon in Sargodha Division to provide easy, affordable and environment-friendly travel facilities to the public.
It was disclosed by Commissioner Sargodha Division Jahanzeb Awan while visiting the proposed site of the central bus terminal to be built on Sargodha Bypass, Lahore Road here on Monday and reviewed the progress of the project. Secretary Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Malik Muhammad Tahir Was also present.
The Commissioner said that in the first phase of this project, it has been decided to operate a total of 72 electric buses in all four districts of Sargodha Division, adding that initially 48 buses will be operated in Sargodha city, 12 in Khushab, while 6 buses each will be operated in Mianwali and Bhakkar.
On the occasion, the Secretary RTA gave a detailed briefing to the Commissioner about the project.
The Secretary informed that in the first phase, 12 electric buses will be operated on four major routes in Sargodha, adding that these routes include Sargodha to Salanwali, Sahiwal, Bhalwal and Kot Momin.
He said that Modern, comfortable and low-cost travel facilities will be provided to the citizens on all these routes, adding that each electric bus will be able to carry 80 passengers at a time.
He mentioned that the bus fare will be half that of ordinary buses, while senior citizens, special persons and students will be provided with free travel in buses.
The Secretary RTA said that modern bus stops will be constructed on each route, where arrangements will be made for passengers to sit, clean drinking water, air fans, and separate seating for women and men. “These buses will provide service from 6 am to 12 am daily, so that citizens can travel comfortably at all times”, he asserted.
The Commissioner was informed in the briefing that a central bus terminal is being constructed on 53 kanals of land on the bypass, which will be the center of this project.
He said that under the project, rickshaws will be banned on the routes where electric buses will be operated so that the traffic system will improve and the environment will be positively affected.
Secretary RTA Malik Muhammad Tahir said that in the first phase, electric buses will be operated up to Quaidabad in Khushab district. He said that more electric buses will be provided to Sargodha Division in January 2026, through which other areas will also be included in this facility and the number of buses on pre-determined routes will be increased. “This project will not only provide comfortable and affordable travel to the citizens but will also prove to be a positive step towards reducing environmental pollution, improving the traffic system and better use of energy”, he concluded.