A spokesman of the Punjab Transport Department (PTD) has contradicted a news item appeared in a section of press giving an impression that "the delegation of Asian Development Bank (ADB) has shown dissatisfaction over the performance of PTD and City District Government Lahore (CDGL) with regard to its plans to address the environmental issues. Thus running of CNG buses resulting into lapse of ADB's loan worth million dollars."
The spokesman said that a delegation of ADB had met the Secretary Transport, to discuss progress/performance of collaboration between public and private sector with regard to franchise operation.
There was no plan/feasibility report on which ADB had provided or providing loan for induction/promotion of environmental friendly vehicles.
He stated that the Punjab Government was seriously considering the shifting of diesel engine buses to CNG. In this connection detailed meetings were held with the bus and 'rickshaw' manufacturers.
It is pertinent to mention that then manufacturers had no technical expertise, which could cater for CNG machinery and provide back up support, he informed.
The spokesman added that Minister for Transport and Secretary Transport visited India to study operation of CNG buses and CNG 'rickshaws' in Delhi.
Efforts were underway to ensure the transfer of CNG technology to Pakistan so that the problem of environmental pollution could be tackled methodically.
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