Unknown individuals damaged 49 electric bus shelters across Rawalpindi overnight, destroying signage and motorised fixtures worth more than Rs 40 million in total.
The Municipal Corporation Rawalpindi has formally written to police, requesting immediate action against those responsible for the large-scale destruction of public property.
“Each station cost approximately Rs 900,000 to build, and 70 of the planned 80 stations have already been installed across the city,” according to the media report.
Municipal Officer Infrastructure Rafaqat Gondal confirmed that 80 electric bus stations were planned, with 70 already installed at key locations throughout the city.
Vandals struck stations on Rawal Road, Tipu Road, Liaqat Bagh, Murree Road, Asghar Mall, Double Road, Sadiqabad, Pir Wadhai, and Ganj Mandi during the night.
The destroyed infrastructure included motorised fixtures and signage bearing the Punjab government logo and photographs of the Chief Minister of Punjab, officials confirmed.
The electric bus project was launched specifically to provide Rawalpindi residents with modern, affordable, and environmentally sustainable public transport facilities.
Municipal Corporation officials have stated that strict legal action will be taken against all individuals found responsible for damaging the government-owned property.
Police and city administration are currently investigating the incident from multiple angles, according to a statement issued by the Municipal Corporation Rawalpindi.
Earlier this year, an unidentified person attacked a green electric bus on Peshawar Road by pelting stones, shattering one window and alarming nearby passengers during transit.
A route officer for the green electric bus service filed a police complaint, reporting he travelled from Marir Chowk toward Motorway Moor carrying passengers that day.
He told police the bus was approaching Charing Cross on Peshawar Road when an unidentified individual hurled stones, damaging the vehicle’s window glass completely during travel.
