Rawalpindi to boost public transport with 200 new electric buses: Details inside

RAWALPINDI: In a major development aimed at increasing public transport and reducing environmental impact, Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz has approved a comprehensive plan to introduce 200 electric buses in Rawalpindi.

This move follows the recent agreement between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Chinese government during his visit to China.

The agreement focuses on combating environmental pollution and promoting environment-friendly public transport solutions in Islamabad and all provinces of Pakistan.

The new electric bus service will provide international standard public transport to the residents of Rawalpindi, covering various routes within the city and Rawalpindi Cantonment.

The initiative includes the development of state-of-the-art bus terminals with a capacity of 100 buses at the old GTS bus depot at Chauhar Chowk and a modern terminal at Adamji Road in Rawalpindi Cantonment.

Additionally, forty electric chargers will be installed at these terminals to support the electric fleet.

The electric bus routes have been meticulously planned to cater to key areas:

Route 1: Starting from Islamabad International Airport, it will travel through GT Road, EME College, Koh Noor Mall, Chohard Choke, Radio Station, Rawalpindi Race Course, and end at the Railway Station.

Route 2: This route will connect the Railway Station with Haider Road Metro Station, Saddar, Rawalpindi Gymkhana, Jhanda Chichi, Kachehri, and Chak Lala Scheme III.

Route 3: It will cover T-Chowk, DHA Phase V, Bahria Phase I and VII, Swan Bridge, Ayub Park, Morgah, Kachehri Choke, Adiala Jail, Gulshan-e-Jinnah, Khwaja Corporation, Lal Khatri, and Metro Station Saddar.