LAHORE: The Tourism, Archaeology, and Museums Department of Punjab and the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) have expanded operations to the cities of Multan and Faisalabad besides upscaling its existing operations in Lahore and Rawalpindi with the deployment of six new double-decker hybrid buses.

This landmark initiative is a part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision for modernising tourism and promoting eco-friendly travel while connecting residents and visitors to Punjab’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

According to a press release, existing double-decker bus tours in Lahore and other cities have successfully attracted thousands of visitors, offering scenic routes that showcase Punjab’s vibrant history and modern attractions. By adding six new hybrid buses, the department aims at enhancing the sightseeing experience for the tourists while reducing the carbon footprint.

With the introduction of these new buses, tourists can now enjoy improved routes and facilities designed to cater to the growing interest in sightseeing tours.

In Lahore, four new hybrid buses have been deployed, complementing the two already operating buses on existing routes. The new routes include Qaddafi Stadium to Lahore Safari Zoo, Qaddafi Stadium to Shadi Lal Building, Poonch House, and Chauburji.

In the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, the TDCP has deployed a new bus alongside the existing one vehicle. The buses will cover major attractions such as Allama Iqbal Park, Flashman Hotel, Army Museum, Ayub National Park and Joyland.

In Faisalabad, the TDCP has added one new and one redeployed bus from Lahore. These buses will offer tours of key locations, including Bagh-e-Jinnah, Lyallpur House, Zila Council, Allama Iqbal Library, Clock Tower, Kaiseri Gate, Gumti, and the Tomb of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Multan’s growing tourism market has been strengthened with the addition of a redeployed bus from Lahore. This bus will cater to the tourists visiting the city’s rich cultural and historical landmarks.

The TDCP’s already popular double-decker tours in Lahore have been a significant attraction for tourists, offering immersive experiences of the city’s historical sites, gardens, and culinary hotspots.

Similar initiatives in other cities like Rawalpindi and Islamabad have been instrumental in fostering tourism while offering affordable, comfortable, and scenic transportation for families, students, and foreign visitors.

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2024