The first batch of 146 electric buses, out of a total of 160, has arrived in Islamabad, marking a significant step toward providing residents with a smoother and more environmentally friendly travel experience. According to the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the remaining 14 buses have already departed from China and are expected to reach Islamabad soon.

CDA officials revealed that work is currently underway on the Zero Point charging station, a critical component of the project. The initiative had faced delays earlier due to the cancellation of tenders twice, but a new tender has now been issued at lower rates. The initial focus is on establishing charging points and parking spaces for the buses along the newly approved routes.

In the first phase, temporary offices will be set up in containers, and driver training for the new routes will begin. The training process is expected to take about a month. Once operational, the buses will serve routes such as Park Road, B-7, PWD, I-8, and I-9, which have already been approved.

Electric Buses Coming to Rawalpindi
In a related development, the Punjab government announced on December 4 that 102 electric buses will soon begin operations in Rawalpindi. These buses will run on an 84-kilometre route covering 10 major public transport corridors. The provincial government has allocated Rs200 million for the project, with a total budget of Rs4.7 billion.

The introduction of electric buses is seen as a major step toward improving air quality and reducing environmental pollution. Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan confirmed earlier this year that the e-bus service will launch next year. Planned routes include connections between Taxila, Wah Cantt, and IJP Road to Akhteree 26, as well as a route linking Daulatala to Rawalpindi.