Sixth Road Metro station to become partially functional next month

RAWALPINDI: Repair work on the Sixth Road Metro Bus Station is set to commence next month, with partial functionality expected within a month’s time.

Provincial Transport Minister Punjab Ibrahim Murad announced that the repair project carries an estimated cost of approximately Rs 150 million and is slated for completion within three months.

The Sixth Road Metro Bus Station, which sustained extensive damage during the violent incidents that transpired on May 9, has remained inactive for over 100 days. Repair plans had been mired in a prolonged “correspondence” phase between the Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMTA) and Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA).

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A significant hindrance to the repair progress has been the shortage of funds, as revealed by a high-ranking official from the district administration who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The repair cost estimates fluctuate between Rs 120 million and Rs 140 million, with the caretaker Punjab government showing reluctance in allocating the necessary funds.

The station fell victim to social unrest following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief. Protesters extensively vandalized the entire infrastructure of the metro station, including igniting parts of the facility. Key components such as escalators, elevators, ticketing booths, air-conditioning systems, and automatic doors were severely damaged and have remained non-operational.

Currently, metro buses traveling between the twin cities do not make stops at the Sixth Road station. Passengers are required to walk to the Rahmanabad or Chandni Chowk metro stations for boarding.

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