Transport Week begins

LAHORE:NESPAK in collaboration with the Punjab Masstransit Authority (PMA) is organising Lahore Transport Week from July 22 to July 31, 2024 under the theme City on the Move: Now Dreams Take Flight" at NESPAK House, Lahore.

The event features consultative sessions and seminars aimed at uniting stakeholders, government departments, and agencies to synergise their efforts under the Committee of Integrated Urban Transport Planning (C-IUTP), established by the government on March 15, 2024.

July 22nd theme was "Uncovering City’s Insights," where experts reviewed Lahore’s transport challenges. Muhammad Zargham Eshaq Khan, MD NESPAK, welcomed the guests and emphasised the need for a strategic approach to public transport issues.

Other speakers highlighted the current challenges, including traffic congestion, infrastructural stresses, and inadequacy of public transport. They stressed the importance of joint efforts by all relevant departments for effective solutions and the comprehensive development of Lahore’s master plan.

Discussions also covered the evaluation and updating of the Integrated Bus Operations (IBO) network in Lahore. Key topics included urban sprawl, traffic congestion, and environmental sustainability through innovative transport solutions.

On the first day, Punjab Minister for Transport & Masstransit, Bilal Akbar Khan was the guest of honour. Other notable speakers included Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi, Secretary Transport and Masstransit, Kanwar Anwaar Ali Khan, Managing Director PMA, Muhammad Zargham Eshaq Khan, MD NESPAK, Umar Masood, CEO Urban Unit, Zaid Maqsood, Commissioner Lahore, Ms Amara Athar, Chief Traffic Officer, and Shaheryar Chishty, owner of Daewoo Express. National and international experts in urban transport planning also shared their insights on Lahore's public transport challenges.