Rawalpindi Set for Green Transport Revolution with New Electric Bus Service
An electric bus service is poised to launch next week across ten pre-determined routes in Rawalpindi, ushering in a new era of eco-friendly public transportation for the garrison city. This initiative is expected to be inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
Initially, 45 electric buses, part of an 80-strong fleet, are ready for deployment. A senior official from the district administration stated, “The new date is expected next week and the chief minister will inaugurate it.” This follows an earlier planned inauguration on October 15, which was postponed due to protests.
Rawalpindi’s New Electric Bus Service Routes
The new electric bus service will cover 10 distinct routes, spanning a total of 86 kilometres and connecting key areas such as the railway station, airport, metro bus stations, and Islamabad. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema highlighted that the primary goal is “to reduce pollution in the garrison city while providing a modern transport system linked to the Metro Bus service.”
Examples of the finalised routes include:
- Route One: Railway Station to Lahore High Court Rawalpindi Bench
- Route Two: Koral Chowk to Fawara Chowk
- Route Three: Umar Baig Chowk to Mandi Mor
- Route Four: Munawar Colony to Saddar
- Route Five: Marrir Chowk to Motorway Mor
- Route Six: Faizabad to Tramri Chowk
Temporary changes have been made to some routes due to ongoing construction at Kutchery Chowk, with buses utilizing alternative roads until the area reopens.
Infrastructure for the Electric Bus Service
To support the launch, a temporary charging station has been established at the old General Transport Service (GTS) bus stand on Adamjee Road, Saddar. Looking ahead, two permanent charging stations are slated for completion by the end of December at the bus stand on Peshawar Road. These additions will facilitate the arrival of the remaining 35 buses in the second phase. SindhNews.com reports that a third phase is planned, introducing 30 more buses once the Kutchery Chowk construction is finalized.
Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Secretary Asad Shirazi confirmed that driver training for the new electric bus service has concluded, and staff recruitment is complete. Buses are currently parked at the GTS bus stand on Adamjee Road and the Metro Bus Service Command and Control Centre on Haider Road. A dedicated depot on 28 kanals of land on Peshawar Road, already owned by the Transport and Mass Transit Department, will house the fleet.
The introduction of the electric bus service marks a significant stride for Rawalpindi. With 80 eco-friendly buses set to operate across its network, the city is moving towards a more sustainable and integrated public transport system, aimed at enhancing urban mobility and significantly contributing to a cleaner environment.