Peshawar BRT Service at Risk of Closure Due to Funding Shortage

PESHAWAR: Peshawar's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, an essential mode of transportation serving a staggering 300,000 daily commuters, is now facing an imminent threat of shutdown due to a dire lack of funding.

A letter of urgency has been dispatched by the BRT authorities to the caretaker government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), emphasizing the pressing need for the payment of a substantial sum of Rs450 million in long-overdue dues.

This letter, bearing the signatures of the chief executive officers from both North-South Travels (Pvt) Limited and East-West Transport (Pvt) Limited, brings to the forefront the critical issue of unpaid dues that demand immediate attention from the government.

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In explicit terms, the letter highlights the consequences that may befall over 300,000 individuals who rely on the BRT services for their day-to-day transportation needs. The potential disruption of their livelihoods and domestic activities looms as a palpable threat.

The letter further underscores the government's responsibility to honor its commitment by ensuring timely payment of monthly invoices within the designated timeframe.

The colossal non-payment sum of Rs450 million exerts an overwhelming strain on the BRT system, heightening concerns that if the situation persists, the very existence of the bus service may face an unfortunate halt, as depicted in the letter.

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Adding to the already precarious circumstances surrounding the BRT Peshawar project, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) launched a comprehensive investigation last year to uncover alleged corruption. Although the investigation is still underway, it has already cast a shadow of doubt upon the project's long-term viability and sustainability.

The potential closure of the BRT system would be nothing short of a devastating blow to the people of Peshawar. The BRT has undeniably served as a lifeline for countless individuals, providing them with a secure and affordable means of navigating the city's bustling streets. Beyond the personal impact, the closure would have far-reaching repercussions on the local economy, as it would curtail the number of individuals who can commute to their workplaces and educational institutions.

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Urgent action from the KP government is the need of the hour in order to salvage the future of the BRT system. Prioritizing the prompt payment of outstanding dues to the BRT authorities, collaborating with the NAB to address the corruption allegations, and implementing measures to bolster the sustainability of the BRT, such as fare adjustments or optimizing the fleet size, are all pivotal steps that the government must take.

The potential demise of the BRT would inflict a tremendous setback upon the people of Peshawar, compelling the government to explore every conceivable avenue to ensure its continued operation and accessibility.