ISLAMABAD: “The metro bus project may have been implemented first in Lahore, but the Islamabad metro is far more beautiful,” exclaimed a zealous newsreader on the national broadcaster during coverage of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s inaugural bus ride from the Secretariat to Katchery Station.

By all appearances, Thursday’s inauguration was a fitting climax to the many months he and his government had spent dodging criticism over everything from the extravagance of the project to irregularities in its affairs and inordinate delays in completion.

But all that seemed to be forgotten as the PM was all smiles at the inauguration, and even teased his brother on occasion. According to those at the ceremony, he also spontaneously burst into poetry on more than one occasion. On the whole, he seemed happy that things had gone according to plan.

Not to be outdone, Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif recommended a pride of performance for Rawalpindi Commissioner Zahid Saeed, who he said had “worked hard to turn this dream into a reality”. His hat-tip to the bureaucrats and workers who had made this project possible won him approving cheers from his audience.

VVIPs, buses fail to show up in Saddar despite rousing welcome preparations

But the PM did not pass up the opportunity to snipe at the people of Rawalpindi, who had picked arch-rival Imran Khan as their MNA in 2013.

“I am still surprised why the people of Rawalpindi didn’t vote for Hanif Abbais and Shakil Awan. If they can work to provide their constituents with such a world class service despite losing the elections, they would have certainly gotten their voters a helicopter service had they won,” he said.

He concluded with the parting shot, “I’m sure they (the constituents) must rue their decision not to vote for them, now.”

Disappointed faces

In Rawalpindi, there was a sea of disappointed faces among those who had lined the sides of the metro bus track in the hopes of welcoming the first passengers to travel on it. However, neither the VVIP nor any other bus reach the Saddar bus station on Thursday night.

Even by 9pm, there was also no sign of the first regularly scheduled bus, which was also supposed to arrive earlier that evening.

A large number of PML-N workers and supporters gathered at the Saddar bus station, while others took to the rooftops of nearby buildings such as Zargoon Plaza, in the hopes of catching the first of the multi-million rupee buses as they pulled into the elevated bus terminal in the bustling bazaar.

The ten bus stations in Rawalpindi city limits were colourfully decorated with festoons, lights and confetti. Volunteers from different departments and educational institutions in the garrison city were responsible for the welcome committee.

However, local police had cordoned off the stations and did not allow ordinary people or ruling party workers to enter them.

“We came to welcome the first bus because we heard that the prime minister and the chief minister will ride the first metro bus into the garrison city. I also heard that rides will be free on the first day and I know a lot of people are here just for that,” said Sajid Khan, a PML-N worker from Tipu Road.

Only schoolchildren from private institutions and teachers were allowed to enter the bus station as they were invited to welcome the first bus. The local administration had made arrangements for the bus in advance.

Young boys and girls clad in green shirts and white pajamas waved national flags and pigeons were kept on hand, to be freed upon the bus’ arrival and national songs were played throughout.

A number of people also came to the station carrying travel cards issued by the Punjab Metro Bus Authority (PMBA) for Rs130, which can be recharged as required.

An official from the metro bus authority told Dawn that it had still not been communicated announced when regular service would begin, but many thought it would be Friday.

“Like most people, we are also confused about when the bus service will start,” he said.

He also said that many people had purchased travel cards on the first day, but it was not yet clear whether travelling in the first month will be free, like it was in Lahore.

“I purchased the travel card because I have to travel between Rawalpindi and Islamabad for work and sometimes I visit the garrison city thrice in a day,” said Syed Ghazanfar Ali Shah, a government employee who works at the Pakistan Secretariat.

Ms Haseena Wajid from Islamabad said that she had come to see the metro bus and had travelled to Saddar from Blue Area on local transport.

She said she had used metro bus service in Lahore and was interested to see how the one in the twin cities measured up.

Sadia Kamal, who came to the Saddar station with her extended family, could be seen taking photos with her loved ones, most of whom also bought travel cards for themselves.

The service started with 68 busses on 23 km long track from Saddar to Secretariat, including 24 stations. It will remain open for public from 6.00 am to 11.30 pm.

Traffic mess

Due to Thursday’s inauguration ceremony, residents of the twin cities had to endure yet another day of messy traffic thanks to VVIP movement on main thoroughfares.

Jinnah Avenue, Embassy Road, Shaheed-i-Millat Road and the under passes between G-7 and F-7 along the Seventh Avenue remained closed on Thursday afternoon. Most U-Turns located next to metro bus stations in I-9 and H-9 were closed too.

A government official from the National Health Services ministry told Dawn that roads were open in the morning and he reached at his office easily.

“However, I sent my driver to get fuel around 3pm from Blue Area, but he could not make it because all roads in that area were closed.”

Maqbool Ahmed, a resident of Sector I-10, said that he had to pick his children up from school in Sector I-8, but faced a lot of inconvenience due to the closure of U-Turns.