Maryam Unveils Signal-Free Corridor for Rawalpindi

News Desk

Rawalpindi: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday announced a series of major development initiatives for Rawalpindi, including a Rs30 billion signal-free corridor and an expansion of the city’s electric bus fleet from 45 to 80 vehicles, alongside multiple projects in transport, infrastructure and public welfare.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Electro Bus Phase-II project, the chief minister said work had begun on the 25-kilometre signal-free corridor—featuring nine underpasses and three flyovers—which would be completed next year and benefit an estimated 200,000 commuters daily.

Maryam said the electric bus fleet for the Rawalpindi division was also being expanded to 145 vehicles, with 15 buses each allocated to Jhelum, Chakwal and Attock, ensuring modern, eco-friendly public transport across the region.

The initiative is part of the government’s province-wide plan to introduce 1,100 green buses by December. The service charges a Rs20 fare, while women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and students can travel free of cost. The buses are equipped with Wi-Fi, charging ports, CCTV monitoring, wheelchair access and dedicated women’s sections.

The chief minister also announced a Rs100 billion programme to overhaul rural drainage and sewerage systems, a new provincial anti-harassment law, and the construction of the Thal Expressway between Rajanpur and Bhakkar. She said new cancer hospitals would be set up in Rawalpindi and Dera Ghazi Khan following the completion of the Lahore Cancer Hospital.

Highlighting the pace of infrastructure development, Maryam said thousands of kilometres of roads had been completed across Punjab in the past year, with 1,000 inter-village roads planned for this year. She said the Wagah–Lahore stretch had been transformed into a 14-kilometre Green Heritage Corridor.

More than 100,000 houses were under construction under the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” scheme, with 350–400 units being completed daily, she added. The government is also delivering medicines for cancer, hepatitis and diabetes directly to patients’ homes, while cardiology centres are being established in 20 cities.

Maryam said 1.5 million families were receiving ration cards and 80,000 students were benefitting from scholarships. Missing facilities in public schools were being addressed, teacher shortages were being filled, and the school meal programme had increased enrolment.

On environmental and public health measures, she said smog-control efforts had reduced seasonal smog by up to 70 percent, and every household in the Potohar region would receive clean drinking water this year. Rural areas were being upgraded into model villages with improved amenities.

She added that the crackdown on illegal weapons and drug peddlers near educational institutions had intensified, while police reforms were contributing to lower crime rates. More than Rs85 billion in loans had been issued under the Easy Business Scheme, while cleanliness and plantation drives under the “Suthra Punjab” initiative were improving sanitation and greenery across the province.

Maryam said the government’s priorities remained public safety, efficient service delivery and sustainable progress, stressing that lasting development “comes through hard work, not shortcuts.”