ISLAMABAD: The first shipment of 146 electric buses out of a total 160 has arrived in Islamabad, marking a significant milestone in improving public transportation and reducing environmental pollution in the capital.
According to officials of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the remaining 14 buses have departed from China and are expected to reach Islamabad soon. The CDA has also commenced the construction of a zero-point charging station to support the operation of these electric buses.
Officials noted that the construction of the charging station had faced delays due to the cancellation of tenders twice. However, the project has now resumed with a new tender awarded at reduced rates. Initially, chargers and parking areas are being prepared for the buses on newly designated routes.
In the first phase of operations, the CDA will establish temporary offices in containers, and driver training for the new routes will be completed within a month. The buses will operate on Park Road, B-7, PWD, I-8, and I-9 routes, which have already received approval for service.
Meanwhile, in Rawalpindi, the Punjab government recently announced plans to launch 102 electric buses on a 84-kilometer route encompassing 10 major public transport corridors. The provincial government has allocated Rs 4.7 billion to the initiative, with Rs 200 million earmarked for the initial phase.
Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan earlier confirmed that the electric bus service would begin next year. Major routes include Taxila, Wah Cantt, and IJP Road to Akhteree 26, as well as Daulatala to Rawalpindi.
The introduction of electric buses in Islamabad and Rawalpindi is expected to enhance the travel experience for commuters while significantly improving air quality in the region by reducing environmental pollution.
