The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is planning to introduce an exclusive electric bus service for women in Islamabad, with an initial fleet of 30 pink buses.
The civic agency is in the process of engaging relevant partners to acquire the buses on the directions of the federal government and the Interior Ministry.
According to CDA sources, the authority plans to engage Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) to import the electric buses, likely from China, following the model adopted for its existing electric bus service.
A senior CDA official confirmed the plan, saying the authority had directed the relevant wing to prepare a summary for approval by the CDA board. After approval, the process of engaging HIT for importing the buses will move forward.
The decision comes after authorities observed that women and girls faced difficulties finding space on existing electric buses during peak hours due to heavy passenger traffic.
The dedicated pink bus service will operate on the same routes as the existing electric buses, although additional routes may also be introduced if required.
The CDA official said the existing electric bus service had received an encouraging response from citizens, prompting the authority to plan a separate transport facility for women.
The pink bus service could be launched within the next three months, subject to the completion of the necessary approvals and procurement process.
Meanwhile, the CDA is also preparing to launch a double-decker bus service to promote tourism in the federal capital.
Initially, four double-decker buses are planned for a 25-kilometre city tour starting from F-9 Park and covering major tourist attractions, including Faisal Mosque, Lok Virsa and Shakarparian.
The CDA board and Development Working Party (DWP) have already approved the project, and the authority is at an advanced stage of preparations.
