ISLAMABAD: The metro bus service is not likely to become operational even on March 23 as the basic structure for it cannot be completed so soon.

The new deadline set for the completion of the structure is March 10 but none of the bus stations are to be completed by the deadline mainly because many of the design specifications have not even been finalised by the consultant.

“Finishing takes more time compared to the earthwork and erecting the structure,” said one of the contractors, requesting not to be named. “Even the specifications of washroom fittings in the stations have not been finalised. Besides, lifts and elevators are yet to be installed.”

The officials concerned acknowledged that the target to start the bus service by March 23 was unrealistic.

“The buses cannot pick or drop passengers from the stations when workers are busy in their construction. And none of the 24 stations from Saddar in Rawalpindi to Secretariat in Islamabad can be completed even by the end of March,” said a project engineer of the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA). He said the surveillance and ticketing system can only be installed after the stations were ready.

The latest deadline of March 10 for the completion of the structure was decided at a meeting on February 25. Hanif Abbasi, the chairman of the metro bus implementation committee, informed the meeting that the metro bus service can become operational in 10-12 days after the structure was complete.

Though the track has been completed at various sections in Islamabad, the cat-eyes and lane markings are yet to be done in many sections.

Officials say many design specifications for bus stations are yet to be finalised

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif inaugurated work on the project on March 23, 2014. The original timeframe for the completion of the Rawalpindi segment of the project was nine months and that of Islamabad segment eight months.

“The project has been delayed due to the 127 days of sit-ins by the PTI and PAT,” Mr Abbasi said. “Not only there was no work on the last two sections of the project in Islamabad during the sit-ins, the movement of heavy machinery and the supply of raw material was restricted in the twin cities.”

However, after the Peshawar school attack on December 16, Imran Khan called off the sit-in. Soon afterwards, Mr Abbasi announced that the metro bus project would be completed by January 31.

“But the Peshawar Mor interchange would not be completed by that time, only the underpasses would be ready,” he said on December 23, 2014.

Amending his earlier stance, Mr Abbasi later said work on the Peshawar Mor interchange would continue while the bus service would start soon after January 31.

Later, he attributed the delay to the severe cold and foggy conditions that restricted the work after sunset.

Mr Abbasi on January 28 told the media that the project would be completed by mid-February. “But I give you the date of February 28.”

The construction workers are seen working day and night but there are reports of a lack of coordination between the contractors and the consultant of the project, Nespak, which is even being blamed by the contractors for not providing to them the complete design of the bus stations and other important items.

Meanwhile, an engineer of Nespak said they had to get permission for various items and products from the project execution agencies in Lahore.

“There is a serious concern over the quality of the project and the Punjab government is taking keen interest in every minute detail,” he added.

Published in Dawn March 2nd , 2015

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