Islamabad Electric Bus Service Expands to Rawat, Interior Minister Inaugurates Depot

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad electric bus service took a major step forward as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi inaugurated a new electric bus depot and charging center. The expansion will extend services to Rawat, improving public transport connectivity in the capital region.

During the inauguration, Naqvi rode one of the electric buses with officials and received a detailed briefing on depot operations and charging facilities. He commended the team for completing the project successfully.

According to the Interior Minister, around 125,000 commuters use the Islamabad electric bus service daily. The government aims to double this number to 250,000, targeting smoother mobility across the city.

Special attention has been given to routes catering to male and female students. Naqvi emphasized that the electric buses, alongside the metro system, are helping reduce traffic congestion in Islamabad.

Officials also announced the revival of the Rawalpindi–Islamabad railway service, further strengthening the city’s public transport network. Additionally, Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) will soon start local manufacturing of electric buses in Pakistan.

The depot currently has 64 charging slots, with 50 already operational. Each charger can power two buses in about two hours, ensuring quick turnaround for the fleet. Presently, electric buses are running on 21 routes in Islamabad, integrated with Google Maps for commuter convenience.

The event was attended by Chief Commissioner Islamabad, IG Islamabad Police, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, and other senior officials, highlighting the government’s focus on modernizing public transport in the capital.