The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is intensifying efforts to establish an environmentally sustainable public transport system in Islamabad, focusing on integrating electric buses with the city’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network.
In a meeting chaired by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa on December 28, officials from the Planning, Technology, and Finance departments reviewed the progress of electric and feeder bus operations.
160 Electric Buses, 216 Stops & 4 Depots to enhance Islamabad’s public transit
The initiative includes 160 electric buses assigned to feeder routes, along with the development of 216 bus stops and four depots equipped with robust charging infrastructure. The first shipment of 146 out of 160 electric buses has arrived in Islamabad, with the remaining 14 en route from China.
In the initial phase, temporary offices in containers will be established, and driver training for the routes will be completed within a month. The new routes include Sector B-17 to N-5 Metro Bus Station, Taramri (Park Road) to Aabpara, Sectors I-8 and I-9 to Faiz Ahmad Faiz Metro Station, and Sector D-12 to G-10 Metro Station.
“CDA should lead by example, converting its entire bus fleet to electric vehicles in the first phase. Additionally, the CDA will engage with other public sector institutions and universities in Islamabad to facilitate the transition of transportation systems to electric,” CDA chief said.
Timings: 6 AM to 10 PM
Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes
Rawalpindi’s electric bus initiative
In a parallel development, the Punjab government plans to deploy 102 electric buses in Rawalpindi over an 84-kilometer route covering 10 key transport corridors. The provincial government has allocated Rs. 4.7 billion for the project, with Rs. 200 million set aside for its initial phase highlighting the region’s commitment to eco-friendly urban mobility.
Expanded feeder routes and charging facilities
Four feeder routes, operational since July, have shown a significant rise in ridership. On December 25, an additional four routes were launched, further enhancing the network’s reach.
Chairman Randhawa commended the progress and urged the expedited launch of the remaining 13 feeder routes.
“We aim to provide high-quality, affordable, and sustainable transport for the residents of Islamabad while leading the way in eco-friendly urban mobility,” he affirmed.
Innovative revenue plans
To ensure financial sustainability, the Chairman directed the implementation of digital advertising boards in metro buses and terminals. These initiatives aim to generate additional revenue, reducing dependency on government subsidies without compromising service quality. The CDA is also exploring collaborations with stakeholders to encourage eco-friendly transport solutions.