Eco-friendly electric buses inaugurated in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: In a significant step towards modern public transport, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi inaugurated a fleet of eco-friendly electric buses in Islamabad on Friday.

With the arrival of 99 electric buses from China, the new service is set to operate on 13 different routes, with 33 buses being deployed initially. A total of 160 buses will eventually be operational.

Naqvi emphasised the current lack of a comprehensive transportation system in Islamabad and highlighted the benefits of the new electric buses, which will initially serve 16,000 passengers. He expressed gratitude for the cooperation from China and Turkey in this project.

A new charging station has been established to ensure the efficient operation of Islamabad’s eco-friendly electric buses. The buses, which will run from 6 am to 10 pm, offer a reliable and environmentally friendly transportation option for the city’s residents.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the Capital Development Authority (CDA) team for their successful launch of the electric buses. “The CDA team deserves kudos for their hard work and dedication. This is a significant achievement that will benefit our citizens immensely,” he stated.

During the briefing, Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa provided details about the electric buses to Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The ceremony was also attended by Turkish Ambassador Mehmet Pekasi, Turkish authorities, Asim Ishaq of NRTC, IG Islamabad Police, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Memon, and other related officials.

Also read: Trial service of electric buses starts in Federal Capital

“This is a collaborative effort, and I am thankful to everyone involved,” Naqvi said. “We are committed to continuously improving the transport system in Islamabad to ensure that our citizens can travel comfortably and sustainably.”

The introduction of electric buses is part of a broader initiative to enhance public transportation in Islamabad while reducing the city’s carbon footprint. This project represents a significant advancement in urban mobility and aligns with global efforts to combat climate change by promoting clean and green transportation solutions.

The electric buses will start on two primary routes.

NUST to PIMS

Covering approximately 13 kilometers with 13 stops, buses will arrive at each stop every 10 minutes, ensuring timely and convenient service for passengers.

PIMS to Bari Imam

This route passes through key locations, including G-7, G-6, Melody, Aabpara, Ataturk Road, Serena Hotel, the Foreign Office, Radio Pakistan, and the Diplomatic Enclave.

Expansion Plans

The initial deployment of 33 buses is part of a broader plan to gradually introduce a fleet of 200 electric buses. The expansion will include 70 buses from Karachi and 60 more from China. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) plans to run these buses on 11 diverse routes, linking rural and urban areas across Islamabad.

This initiative aims to provide a greener and more efficient transportation option for the city’s inhabitants, reflecting Islamabad’s commitment to sustainable development and improved public services.