Residents of Islamabad to get electric trams

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to start a new electric bus service to provide travel facilities to the citizens.

A meeting was held at the CDA headquarters under the chairmanship of Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa, in which it was decided to run electric tram buses in Islamabad.

In this regard, the work of uplifting 140 bus stops has started across the city, and more than 200 bus stops will be built in the city.

Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa visits Park Enclave One, Two, and Three.

The Chairman CDA said that providing modern and best transport facilities to Islamabad is the top priority, and the feasibility study of the tram system should be finalized.

He said that options for partnership with the private sector will also be considered, and targets and schedules should be set to finalize the tram project.

Earlier, the provincial government of Punjab was set to launch its e-taxi scheme in August, with the transport department finalising all the necessary groundwork.

As part of the project, 30 electric taxis have been specifically earmarked for women to promote their participation in the public transport sector.

According to Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan, an online portal is being developed with the help of the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) for applications.

Nine companies have been shortlisted to provide electric taxis under the scheme. These vehicles will be offered on easy, interest-free installments.

The minister added that the formal launch of the scheme will begin within two weeks. A business and financial model has also been developed to ensure its implementation. Under the pilot project, 1,100 e-taxis will be distributed to fleet owners, individual drivers and ride-hailing companies.

Official documents show that the Punjab government will cover the mark-up, token tax and registration fees of the vehicles. Of the total, 1,000 taxis will go to fleet owners, who will have to purchase at least ten vehicles.

The remaining 100 will be allocated on an individual basis, including a special amount of 30 e-taxis for women. The selected suppliers will also set up service centers, spare parts facilities and charging points across the province.