Rawalpindi
The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) on Wednesday sealed Hamrahi Transport Terminal (HTT) for failing to install closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs) and walkthrough gates and issued a show-cause notice to the Soan Terminal. The authority has warned that all bus stands wouldbe sealed if security arrangements were not put in place.
RTA Secretary Khalid Yameen told ‘The News’ that he has started crackdown on bus stands that did not adopt security arrangements because these are ideal places for terrorists. “I have locked the Hamrahi Transport Terminal and issued a show-cause notice to the Soan Transport Terminal,” he claimed. “I have decided to seal all bus terminals that fail to install CCTV cameras and walkthrough gates. The terminals should deploy trained security guards, he warned.
Through a circular issued by the Regional Transport Authority, the intercity transport stands at Rawalpindi have been directed to install CCTV cameras and build a control room. An entry point should be carved out and walkthrough gate be installed therein. The authority has also instructed to check the commuters and their luggage with metal detectors. Trained security guards should be appointed for performing duties in bus stands in shifts.
‘The News’ has learnt that there are a total of 16 bus terminals in Rawalpindi district in which 11 terminals are in Rawalpindi city jurisdiction. The majority of bus terminals are without security guards, walkthrough gates and without CCTV cameras. Particularlyat Pirwadhai, there are 5 to 7 main bus terminals that are totally unsafe and unguarded for years.