Madiha Yaqoob
The initial set of 30 out of 150 electric buses designated for service in Islamabad is scheduled to depart from China and is expected to arrive in Karachi in approximately three weeks.
Upon clearing customs, these buses are anticipated to reach Islamabad in May. A Chinese source mentioned that the buses were loaded onto a ship set to sail on Sunday. However, the travel was delayed by one day because to unfavorable weather.
The National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) a contractor for the Capital Development Authority (CDA) will temporarily operate the buses from the Convention Centre once they arrive as this location has the required charging infrastructure. Concurrently, a permanent depot is in the works to be established at Zero Point.
Additionally, it’s reported that a second batch of 70 buses is expected to be dispatched in approximately two weeks, with the final batch of 50 buses scheduled to leave China on May 5th. All 150 buses are set to operate on 13 new routes. The first 30 buses will initially run on two routes, which will be finalized in the coming days by CDA Chairman Anwarul Haq.
An official statement reveals that 150 buses will operate across 13 new routes in Islamabad.
Mr. Haq has been actively urging both the contractor and the CDA team to ensure the timely arrival of these buses in Islamabad.
It is anticipated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will officiate the inauguration of the bus service. The procurement of these buses was undertaken by NRTC.
According to the agreement between CDA and NRTC, the CDA will compensate NRTC approximately Rs306 to Rs331 per kilometer for operating the buses.
The designated 13 routes include:
- Police Foundation/Orange Line Station to Red Line Faiz Ahmed Faiz Station in I-8
- Allama Iqbal Station to Red Line Potohar Station
- Pims to Secretariat
- D-12 to G-10
- F-11 to Red Line F-8 Station
- G-11 to Pims
- Aabpara to Tramri Chowk
- Nilor to Khanna Pul
- Pirwadhai Chowk to Faizabad
- B-17 to 26 Number Chungi
- I-16 to 26 Number
Previously, the CDA had planned to procure the buses independently. However, in February of the previous year, they decided to contract a service provider, with NRTC winning the contract.
During his previous term, Shehbaz Sharif had instructed the CDA to introduce new bus services on 13 routes. Given his continuous encouragement for the services to commence, officials indicate that the Prime Minister will likely be invited to inaugurate the bus service next month.
Mr. Sharif had previously inaugurated three metro bus services: Orange Line, Green Line, and Blue Line. These services, operated by CDA buses, have been a significant relief for thousands of daily commuters.
CDA officials affirm that with the launch of the 13 new routes, comprehensive transportation will be accessible to the residents of Islamabad, connecting nearly all areas and sectors of the city.
It’s worth noting that prior to the metro bus service launch, Islamabad lacked a public transportation system. The previously operated GTS buses had ceased operations in the early 90s.
