Web Desk
Five private companies responsible for operating the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system have issued a warning to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, stating that they will halt operations if the government fails to pay approximately Rs1 billion in outstanding dues. In a letter addressed to the KP government, the operators emphasized the urgency of receiving payment before Wednesday, June 3, or else they would be forced to cease the Peshawar BRT services.
The companies involved, North-South Travels (Pvt) Limited and East-West Transport (Pvt) Limited, brought attention to the issue of non-payment of dues in their correspondence with the government. They expressed concerns over the impact of this delay on operational expenses, such as procuring diesel, lubricants, spare parts, electricity, and staff salaries necessary for the smooth functioning of the BRT Peshawar system.
According to the operators, the government is obligated to release payments against monthly invoices within the designated month. However, the KP government has halted payments to the operators as the lease agreement for the Peshawar BRT terminal, which expired in October 2022, has yet to be resolved. The government is unwilling to release the outstanding dues until the company vacates the terminal.
It is worth noting that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) initiated an investigation into alleged corruption in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Peshawar project last year. The probe aims to address concerns regarding any potential misappropriation of funds or irregularities associated with the BRT project.
The unresolved issue of unpaid dues and the expiration of the lease agreement have strained the relationship between the private operators and the KP government. The fate of the Peshawar BRT operations hangs in the balance as both parties need to reach a resolution to ensure the uninterrupted provision of public transportation services in the city.
