Islamabad has taken a significant step towards sustainable public transport with the arrival of the first batch of 146 electric buses, out of a total of 160. This move is part of a broader initiative to revolutionize urban transit while minimizing environmental impact.
Modernizing Public Transport in the Capital
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) announced that the final batch of 14 buses is en route from China. These buses aim to provide a smooth and eco-friendly travel experience to residents and visitors of Islamabad.
To support this fleet, CDA has commenced construction on a state-of-the-art charging station at Zero Point. This facility is essential for the operations of the electric buses and marks a milestone in building the necessary infrastructure for sustainable urban mobility.
However, the project faced initial delays due to tender cancellations. Now, the construction of chargers and designated parking areas has been expedited, with priority given to equipping routes for seamless operations.
Phased Launch and Operational Plans
The deployment of these buses will occur in phases. Initially, temporary offices will be set up in containers to manage operations. Driver training for the new routes is expected to take about a month.
In the first phase, the buses will operate on several routes, including:
- Park Road
- B-7
- PWD
- I-8 and I-9 sectors
Approval for these routes has already been granted, ensuring a quick rollout of the service.
Green Transit Initiatives Across Pakistan
The shift to electric buses isn’t limited to Islamabad. Earlier this month, the Punjab government announced plans to launch 102 electric buses in Rawalpindi, serving an 84-kilometer route that covers 10 key transit paths. With Rs 4.7 billion allocated to the project, this initiative underscores Pakistan’s commitment to improving air quality and reducing its carbon footprint.
A Greener Future for Islamabad and Beyond
The arrival of electric buses marks a pivotal moment for Islamabad’s public transport sector. With reduced emissions and advanced technology, these buses promise a cleaner, more efficient, and passenger-friendly commuting experience.
Stay tuned as Islamabad leads the way in adopting eco-friendly urban solutions that benefit both residents and the environment.
