PESHAWAR: The caretaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has refused to give one billion rupees to the transport department for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.
According to media reports, the transport department had requested the funds to cover the costs of the project, but the caretaker government has stated that the funds are not available.
The government’s decision has been met with criticism from some quarters, who argue that it will delay the completion of the project and further inconvenience residents.
However, the government has defended its decision, stating that it is necessary to ensure fiscal discipline.
In a letter to the transport department, the finance department stated that the government had released 662.4 million rupees for the BRT project in the year 2022-23. However, the funds lapsed due to non-utilization.
The letter also stated that the transport department has formed an inquiry committee to investigate the lapse of funds.
The finance department has requested the transport department to review the lapsed amount and submit a revised budget before the release of any further funds.
The BRT project is a major infrastructure project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is expected to improve public transportation in Peshawar and reduce traffic congestion.
