ISLAMABAD – The first shipment of 146 out of 160 electric buses reached Islamabad to improve public transport and reduce environmental pollution in the capital. These buses will provide smooth travel experience to the people. According to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) officials, the last batch of 14 electric buses have departed for Islamabad from China and are expected to reach soon. CDA officials added that the construction of the zero-point charging station has commenced.
CDA officials said that initially the construction of the charging station was detained due to the cancellation of the tender twice. Now, CDA has issued a tender for the charging station at reduced rates. Officials said that firstly the chargers and parking areas will be prepared, then we will start the new routes.
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CDA officials said that in the first phase, offices will be set up in containers and operations will be started. They said that one month will be required to train drivers on the new routes. Officials said that buses will soon be operated on Park Road, B-7, PWD, I-8 and I-9 routes, while approval has already been given to operate buses on these four routes.
One of the new key routes approved for electric buses is FR-08A which connects PIMS to Tramri Chowk as follows:
- Tramri Chowk (Starting Point)
- COMSATS University
- Abasyn University
- Chatta Bakhtawar
- Park Enclave
- Shahzad Town
- NARC Colony
- Rawal Dam Colony
- Allergy Center
- Rawal Dam Chowk
- Kashmir Chowk
- Foreign Office
- Aabpara
- CDA Stop
- Zero Point
- PIMS Gate (Children’s Hospital)
- PIMS Metro Station
- Tipu Market
On December 4, the Punjab government had announced a plan to operate 102 electric buses in Rawalpindi. These buses will cover an 84-km network, including 10 key public transport routes. The provincial government has allocated Rs 200 million for this initiative, with an overall project cost of Rs 4.7 billion.
The project is expected to significantly improve air quality in the region by curbing environmental pollution. Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan confirmed in June that the e-bus service will start next year. These buses will cover several major routes, one of which connects Taxila, Wah Cantt, and IJP Road to Aktree 26, and the other connects Daulatala to Rawalpindi.
