The government has extended Islamabad’s electric bus service to Rawat, as part of efforts to promote cleaner public transport in the capital.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi inaugurated the new route on Friday. He also opened a new electric bus depot and charging centre.
With the addition of new buses, the total number of electric vehicles in Islamabad’s fleet has reached 160.
New depot, charging facilities
Officials said the new depot has space for 64 charging points. So far, 50 chargers have been installed, and the remaining 14 are expected to be set up soon.
Each charger can power two buses within two hours.
During the visit, Mr Naqvi travelled on one of the electric buses with senior officials. He was briefed on the fleet, depot facilities and charging system.
Public demand, future targets
Speaking at the ceremony, the minister said around 125,000 people currently use the electric bus service every day. The government aims to increase that number to 250,000 passengers per day.
He said special attention is being given to routes that serve male and female students.
At present, electric buses operate on 21 routes across Islamabad. The service is also integrated with Google’s route planning tools to help commuters plan their journeys.
Links with metro, rail services
The minister said the electric bus network, along with the Islamabad Metro system, has helped reduce traffic congestion in the city and neighbouring Rawalpindi.
He also announced that the Rawalpindi-Islamabad railway service is being restored.
In addition, Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) Pakistan is expected to begin local production of electric buses, in a move aimed at supporting domestic manufacturing.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior officials, including the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, the Inspector General of Islamabad Police and the Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad.
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