The first batch of electric buses in which 146 out of 160 has arrived in Islamabad to ease travel experience for the people.
According to officials from the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the remaining 14 electric buses are on their way to Islamabad from China.
CDA officials said the construction of a charging station at Zero Point has also started.
The officials also said that earlier the project faced delays due to the cancellation of tenders two times. Now, the CDA has issued a new tender for the station at a reduced cost.
Initially, the focus will be on preparing the chargers and parking areas for the new bus routes, according to CDA officials.
In the first phase, offices will be set up in containers, and operations will begin. CDA officials also said that the month of training will be required to train drivers for the new routes.
The buses will start operating on Park Road, B-7, PWD, I-8, and I-9 routes as approvals have already been granted for these routes, officials stated.
In a related development, the Punjab government announced plans to introduce 102 electric buses in Rawalpindi by December 4. These buses will serve an 84-km route covering 10 major public transport routes.
The provincial government has already allocated Rs 200 million for the project, which is expected to cost Rs 4.7 billion in total. This initiative aims to improve air quality and reduce pollution in the region.
Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan confirmed in June that the e-bus service will begin next year These buses will cover key routes, including one between Taxila, Wah Cantt, and IJP Road to Aktree 26, and another between Daulatala and Rawalpindi.
