The Regional Transport Authority has reviewed comprehensive plans to transform the historic Pirwadhai General Bus Stand into a modern, safe and state-of-the-art transit facility.
The special meeting was headed by Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir.
The Pirwadhai General Bus Stand, established in 1976 and spanning over 210 kanals, currently operates as a Class-C bus terminal.
It caters to around 40,000 commuters daily, with nearly 65 public service vehicles passing through every hour.
At present, 37 active stands are operational for 65 transport companies, but the existing infrastructure requires extensive modernisation to meet growing demand.
Between FY 2018-19 and FY 2025-26, the terminal generated total revenue of Rs668.2 million, excluding rent from shops, fuel stations and eateries.
Of this, Rs170.1 million was spent on development projects and Rs67.1 million on operational expenses, leaving about Rs431 million reserved in the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation’s general fund.
To meet future needs, the committee recommended upgrading the terminal from Class-C to Class-B status, preparing a comprehensive master plan, and increasing the number of bus bays to 80.
Plans also include installing a computerised ticketing and scheduling system to streamline vehicle arrivals, departures, parking and traffic flow.
The committee recommended constructing a secure boundary wall and establishing a centralised control room to address security shortcomings such as missing boundary walls, ineffective CCTV cameras and inadequate entry and exit checks.
Officials also discussed hiring a professional security firm and deploying at least 25 security guards, along with full implementation of the Travel Eye tracking system and heightened night security.
The committee proposed transparent re-allotment of bays, elimination of illegal encroachments and computerisation of records to prevent subletting, unauthorised parking and traffic congestion.
For passenger convenience, the recommendations include upgraded waiting lounges with separate modern facilities for men and women, better accessibility for persons with disabilities, clean drinking water, improved sanitation, adequate seating and first-aid services.
Rest areas for drivers and bus hostesses, along with designated vehicle washing and maintenance zones, are also planned.
DC Nadeem Nasir reaffirmed the district administration’s commitment to turning the Pirwadhai Bus Stand into a state-of-the-art terminal, saying development work and administrative reforms will commence shortly.
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