ISLAMABAD: Next month, the federal capital is anticipated to see electric buses in operation as the first batch of 30 out of a total of 150 buses from China is set to arrive.
Following a three-week journey, the initial batch is scheduled to reach Karachi, eventually making its way to the capital in May. The Capital Development Authority (CDA), in collaboration with its contractor National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC), will temporarily commence bus operations from the Convention Centre, utilizing its charging facility for the buses until a proper depot is established at Zero Point.
According to sources cited by the local newspaper, the subsequent batch comprising 70 buses is expected to be dispatched in two weeks, with the final batch of 50 buses slated for shipment from China on May 5. These 150 buses are designated to operate on 13 newly established routes, with the first 30 buses to be deployed on two routes to be determined shortly by CDA Chairman Anwarul Haq.
The proposed routes encompass various destinations such as Police Foundation/Orange Line Station to Red Line Faiz Ahmed Faiz Station in I-8, Allama Iqbal Station to Red Line Potohar Station, Pims to Secretariat, D-12 to G-10, F-11 to Red Line F-8 Station, G-11 to Pims, Aabpara to Tramri Chowk, Nilor to Khanna Pul, Pirwadhai Chowk to Faizabad, B-17 to 26 Number Chungi, and I-16 to 26 Number. It is anticipated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will inaugurate the bus service.
