Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the Electric Bus Project in Rawalpindi, promising citizens a modern, comfortable, and affordable mode of travel.
Addressing the launching ceremony, she outlined a series of ambitious development plans for the city, including a Rs30 billion signal-free corridor and the expansion of the electric bus fleet from 45 to 80 vehicles, alongside numerous transport, infrastructure, and welfare initiatives.
The Punjab CM said that construction on the 25-kilometre signal-free corridor, which will include nine underpasses and three flyovers, is already underway and is expected to be completed by next year.
Maryam said that this project is aimed at easing travel for approximately 200,000 daily commuters. She added that the increase in electric buses is part of a larger plan to roll out 1,100 green buses across Punjab by December.
The service is priced at Rs20 per ride, while women, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and students will travel free of charge.
The buses are equipped with modern facilities, including Wi-Fi, charging points, CCTV surveillance, wheelchair access, and separate compartments for women.
Reflecting on past achievements, the chief minister highlighted that significant projects in Rawalpindi and Murree, including the metro service, were completed during the tenures of Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif.
She stressed that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has a consistent record in infrastructure development, asserting that “when the PML-N is in office, the country progresses,” a point even acknowledged by political opponents.
Maryam said road development across Punjab has accelerated, with thousands of kilometres completed in the past year and 1,000 inter-village roads planned for this year. She also mentioned that the Wagah–Lahore stretch has been transformed into a 14-kilometre Green Heritage Corridor.
The chief minister announced a Rs100 billion initiative to improve rural drainage and sewerage systems, a new provincial anti-harassment law, and the construction of the Thal Expressway connecting Rajanpur and Bhakkar. She added that after the completion of Lahore Cancer Hospital, new cancer treatment centers would be built in Rawalpindi and Dera Ghazi Khan.
She shared that over 100,000 homes are currently being constructed under the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” program, with 350–400 units completed daily. Medicines for cancer, hepatitis, and diabetes are being delivered to patients’ doorsteps, and cardiology centers are being established in 20 cities.
Maryam Nawaz highlighted that 1.5 million families are receiving ration cards, while 80,000 students benefit from scholarships.
Efforts are underway to address missing facilities in public schools, fill teacher shortages, and expand the school meal program to boost student enrollment.
She stated that smog-control measures have reduced seasonal pollution by up to 70% and pledged that clean drinking water would reach every household in the Potohar region this year. Rural areas are being developed into model villages with enhanced amenities.
The chief minister also emphasized public safety, noting intensified action against illegal weapons and drug trafficking near schools.
Maryam Nawaz said that police reforms have resulted in a significant drop in crime.
She added that Rs85 billion in loans have been distributed under the Easy Business Scheme, while initiatives like “Suthra Punjab” and plantation drives are promoting sanitation and greenery throughout the province.
The Punjab CM reiterated that the provincial government’s priorities remain public safety, efficient service delivery, and sustained progress, underscoring that meaningful development “comes through hard work, not shortcuts.”