LAHORE: The Minister for Excise and Taxation/Information, Mian Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman inaugurated the addition of three new double decker buses in the existing fleet of Double Deckers. The Minister said, Lahore is the city of Garden, Culture, Ancient Civilization and lively people. On the great success of TDCP Double Decker Bus Service, The Chief Minister Punjab took initiative to add more double decker buses for the tourists.
The Chief Minister, Punjab earlier inaugurated the first“Sightseeing Lahore” Double Decker Bus Service Project in Pakistan on 25th November, 2015. The project was conceived and developed by Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab in compliance with the development strategy of the Punjab Government. The project envisaged to showcase the magnificent Cultural and Architectural Heritage of Lahore including its Recent Urban Development. The project initially commenced with the operation of 02 Double Decker Buses of international standard procured through the process of international tendering at a cost of Rs. 30m each (Cost/Bus US $ 188,000 + Duty / Taxes Rs. 10m). The capacity of each bus is 67 persons (Upper Deck 49 and Lower Deck 18). The project is being operated as per Best International Practices i.e. Aesthetically Beautiful and Tourist Friendly Terminals, Mechanism for Organized Bookings, Trained Drivers, Uniformed Staff, Tourist Guides en-route etc.
“Sightseeing Lahore” Pakistan’s 1st ever Double Decker Tourist Bus Project has been a phenomenal success. The people from all walks of life, the active stakeholders of Tourism Sector; the visitors from abroad and other provinces of Pakistan have appreciated this landmark initiative of Chief Minister, Punjab. Print and Electronic media is continuously extending positive coverage to this project. 108,799 tourists including Educational Institutions, Corporate Sector Companies and Special Education Department/ NGOs particularly relating to disabled have availed and praised this project.
The Chief Minister, Punjab was pleased to direct that the number of buses be increased from 02 to 05. TDCP has completed the process of procurement of 03 more buses, which have arrived at Lahore.