Key Takeaways
- A special inquiry committee has declared Pirwadhai General Bus Stand a security risk.
- The facility handles around 40,000 passengers daily and has 37 operational bays for 65 transport companies.
- The committee recommended upgrading the terminal to B-Class and developing a new master plan.
A special inquiry committee has declared the Pirwadhai General Bus Stand a security risk, citing weak security arrangements, procedural violations, and financial mismanagement. The report was submitted to Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Capt. (r) Nadeem Nasir during a meeting attended by various officials.
The bus stand, established in 1976, covers an area of 210 kanals and currently handles approximately 40,000 passengers daily, with 65 public service vehicles passing through every hour. However, it only has 37 operational bays for 65 transport companies, leading to inefficiencies and potential safety hazards.
The committee recommended upgrading the terminal to B-Class, increasing the number of bays to 80, and developing a new master plan with a computerized system to manage parking, arrivals, and departures. This upgrade is seen as crucial for improving the overall security and operational efficiency of the facility.
The report detailed the terminal’s financial performance from fiscal year 2018-19 through 2025-26. During this period, the facility generated Rs. 668.2 million, excluding rental income from shops, petrol pumps, hotels, and canteens. Authorities spent Rs. 170.1 million on development and Rs. 67.1 million on operations, while the Municipal Corporation deposited Rs. 431 million into its general fund.
The committee identified several security deficiencies, including the absence of a boundary wall, non-functional CCTV cameras, inadequate passenger screening, and a lack of proper entry and exit controls. It recommended constructing a perimeter wall, hiring a private security company, deploying at least 25 guards, repairing CCTV cameras, establishing a control room, and fully implementing the Travel Eye system.
The report also highlighted unauthorized subletting of bays, multiple transport companies sharing individual bays, passenger pickups outside the terminal, and encroachments by shops and pushcarts that obstruct passageways. These issues are seen as significant contributors to the overall security risk of the bus stand.
The committee’s recommendations are aimed at addressing these deficiencies and improving the overall security and operational efficiency of the Pirwadhai General Bus Stand. The facility is expected to benefit from these upgrades, which are essential for the safety and convenience of passengers and transport companies alike.
The report’s findings and recommendations are expected to be considered by the relevant authorities, with the goal of enhancing the security and operational standards of the bus stand. This will not only improve the safety of passengers but also ensure the smooth functioning of the transport system in the area.
