Quetta Traffic and Local Transport Update: Signals to Be Operational by April End, Electric Buses Expected in Two Months – BHC Report
Quetta (Qudrat Daily) – The Balochistan High Court has received a detailed report on Quetta’s local transport and traffic system, indicating that traffic signals are expected to be fully operational by the end of April, while the first electric buses could begin service within the next two months.
A two-member bench comprising Chief Justice Kamran Mullahkhail and Justice Najmuddin Mengal heard a petition regarding the city’s traffic and public transport issues. During the proceedings, the court recorded an amended title of the petition and admitted related documents submitted by the Additional Advocate General. The petitioner’s lawyer requested time to review the documents, while government representatives stated that all replies were complete and the administration was ready to present arguments.
The report highlighted record revenue from rickshaw permits, with collections rising from PKR 5.38 million in 2024 to PKR 10.45 million in 2025. The number of computerized rickshaw permits also grew from 815 to approximately 3,300. Actions against illegal rickshaws and traffic violations are ongoing, with hundreds of vehicles impounded between October 2024 and March 2026, including those with tinted windows or fancy number plates.
The government has proposed purchasing modern equipment and vehicles, including forklifts, GPS-equipped patrol bikes, and establishing a Command and Control Center at the SSP Traffic office in Quetta. Installation of traffic signals and infrastructure at key intersections like GPO Chowk and Serena Chowk is underway and expected to be completed by the end of April 2026.
The report also detailed the electric vehicle (EV) project, to be implemented through a public-private partnership. Initially, 30 electric vehicles will operate on three routes in the Central Business District, with the government providing charging infrastructure, solar systems, and battery-swapping stations. The national tender was awarded to M/S Taj Enterprises and M/S Tractive Solution (Pvt) Ltd, and operations are expected to begin within 60–75 days of the work order.
During the hearing, lawyers for petitioners and local bus owners discussed restrictions on older buses, with petitioners alleging discriminatory treatment for transporters from other districts. Government representatives cited the Motor Vehicle Rules 1969, which prohibit public transport vehicles older than five years from operating within city limits. They emphasized that inter-district buses are only allowed to reach designated stops and cannot enter inner city areas.
The court directed authorities to expedite surveys for feeder routes and submit a comprehensive report to determine which routes will be served by Green Buses, minibuses, costers, or wagons.
