Metro repairs spark outrage as bus service halts, commuters stranded

Rawalpindi:Thousands of commuters, particularly women, faced severe difficulties on Wednesday due to the suspension of the Metro Bus Service (MBS) from Saddar to Faizabad. The service was halted in the Rawalpindi section to expedite repair work on the metro corridor.

The elevated metro track is undergoing reconstruction, with concrete replacing the previously used tiles. The repair project, initiated in July by the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), aims to restore the metro bus service by December this year.

Commuters expressed frustration, stating that the Punjab government had promised to conduct the renovation work at night, from 11:00 PM until the morning, to avoid disrupting daily services. “There was no prior public notification about the service suspension, leaving us stranded,” several commuters told ‘The News’. Many also complained that private taxis and other transport services were exploiting the situation, charging exorbitant fares.

Muhammad Shaukat, In-Charge of the Metro Bus Service, confirmed that the service was suspended to allow for the rehabilitation of the metro track. “We are rebuilding the elevated portion with concrete instead of tiles to ensure durability,” he said.

The RDA, responsible for overseeing the rehabilitation project, has budgeted Rs718.9 million for the work, which is being executed by M/S Salman Enterprises. Nespak has been hired as a consultant. Currently, construction work is focused on the Shamsabad, Rehmanabad, and Waris Khan areas, as part of the first phase.

The Managing Director of the RDA, Kinza Mutaza, emphasised that the project must be completed by December, warning that delays will not be tolerated. “This is a critical public service, and any delay will severely impact commuters,” she said.

The total length of the Metro Bus Corridor is approximately 23 kilometres, with 8.6 kilometres elevated, 10 kilometres at grade level, and a four-kilometre trench. The service operates 68 air-conditioned buses, transporting an estimated 150,000 passengers daily across 24 stations — 10 located along Murree Road and 14 in Islamabad.