Islamabad Launches New Electric Bus Service to Enhance Public Transport and Reduce Pollution

Islamabad:Islamabad’s public transport system has undergone significant development in recent years, with a major leap starting in 2015 when the Red Line Metro service was introduced between the twin cities. Since then, additional bus services have been regularly launched, creating an extensive network of modern and affordable buses across the region.

Currently, services such as the Red Line, Orange Line, Blue Line, Green Line, and Pink Line are operational, with more lines in development. Recently, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) launched a new feeder bus service, aiming to introduce a fleet of 160 modern electric buses across Islamabad.

The first phase of the project saw the arrival of 30 electric buses from China, which were brought to Islamabad via Karachi and deployed on two routes: from Chak Shahzad to Aabpara, and from Faizabad to British Homes. The remaining 130 buses are now also in Islamabad, and these will run on a total of 13 different routes.

### Key Routes for Electric Buses:

According to Rana Tariq Mahmood, Deputy Director General of the Metro Bus Project at CDA, all 160 electric buses have now arrived and will be operated on 13 designated routes. These routes include:

– Faizabad to NUST Metro Station
– Faizabad to Allama Iqbal Open University
– Pakistan Secretariat to Kacheri Metro Station
– National Library to PIMS Metro Station
– PIMS to Bari Imam
– NUST Metro Station to D-12
– PIMS to NUST Metro Station
– PIMS to Golra Sharif
– Aabpara to Tramari
– Khanna Pul to Nilore
– Faizabad to Pir Wadhai Mor
– Golra Mor to Wah Cantt
– Golra Mor to I-16

Rana Tariq Mahmood revealed that 8 of these 13 routes are already operational, with the remaining 5 routes set to launch soon. A total of 128 buses will be in use, with an additional 32 buses kept as backup in case of any technical issues.

### Capacity of the Electric Buses:

Each electric bus is designed to carry 24 seated passengers, with the capacity to accommodate up to 40 standing passengers. This allows approximately 64 passengers to travel comfortably in one bus.

### Purpose Behind the Electric Bus Service:

The introduction of the electric bus service is part of a broader strategy to expand the mass transit system and address both environmental and transportation challenges. According to the Director General of Metro Bus, the primary goal of launching the electric bus service is to provide a more sustainable, budget-friendly, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional forms of public transport.

“This initiative is aimed at replacing local transport options, reducing road congestion, and mitigating the rising levels of air and noise pollution,” he said. By promoting the use of electric buses, the government hopes to make public transport more efficient while contributing to a cleaner and greener environment for Islamabad’s residents.

This development reflects Islamabad’s commitment to modernizing its transport infrastructure and addressing the pressing issues of pollution and traffic congestion, making the city more sustainable and livable for its citizens.