PM performs ground breaking of airport Metro link

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Saturday performed ground-breaking of the Metro Bus Link for Islamabad's new international airport and said his government was committed to timely completion of projects, while ensuring quality.

Talking to media, he said the Metro project was not part of the new Islamabad international airport, but was added on his direction.

He said the project would complete simultaneously with the airport and would be a great convenience for the middle class and allow them quality air-conditioned transport service.

The Prime Minister to a question said the quality of all projects were the hallmark of his Government.

He mentioned the high quality construction of the Hazara motorway project and said there would be no compromise in any project.

He said all ongoing projects were being completed in shortest possible time.

The Prime Minister also mentioned the Neelum Jhelum and Lowari tunnel projects that have been dragging on for years, and added that his government was giving priority to mega communications and infrastructure projects so as to encourage foreign investors and speed up industrialisation.

He said the people will get best possible facilities at their doorsteps, once these projects complete.

The Prime Minister directed that at no cost the quality should be compromised. He said the project must have the quality of motorways for long lasting life.

When asked about those who were critical of the new roads, the Prime Minister said "May Allah show them right direction."

To a question, he said his government, unlike the governments in the past, believed in transparency.

He said there have been mega corruption scams in the past where huge natonal resources were wasted. He said all these matters would reach a logical conclusion.

Shahid Afzal Tarar Chairman NHA briefed the Prime Minister and informed him that the project would be completed by August 14. He said the task was assigned on February 11 this year.

The Rs 18 bln Metro Bus link will be completed by National Highway Authority (NHA) in four Phases with a total length of dedicated 25.6 Km, 09 Bus stations, 12 bridges and 11 underpasses.

He said the contractors have already mobilised equipment on site and work was going on, at a fast pace.

The new Metro link is being constructed along the ten-lane wide Kashmir highway from Peshawar Morr to New Islamabad International Airport.