ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is set to launch two new routes for the electric bus service as the Zero Point depot has been partially completed.
According to reports, the new routes will run from Khanapul to Nilor and G-9 to Faizabad. So far, 14 out of 20 charging points have been installed at the Zero Point depot. The integration work for the charging system is expected to be completed within two days.
“Once the integration is done, our charging issue will be resolved, and we plan to operate buses on the two new routes from Wednesday,” a CDA official said.
Last year, CDA’s contractor National Radio Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) imported 160 electric buses for Islamabad. At present, 130 buses are operating on 21 routes, while the remaining buses are not in service due to a shortage of charging points.
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The Rs1.5 billion project to construct the Zero Point depot began in January and was originally scheduled for completion in June.
The depot has two parts — Site A and Site B. Officials said finishing work is underway at Site B, which also includes a data center, and it is expected to be completed by the end of next month.
In addition to providing logistical support, the CDA pays NRTC based on the per-kilometre travel of the buses.
Islamabad Electric Bus Service Expands with Two New Routes:
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) in Islamabad is ready to start two new electric bus routes. The buses will run from Khanapul to Nilor and G-9 to Faizabad. The service will begin soon as the charging station at Zero Point is almost complete.
Meanwhile, the National Highway Authority (NHA) has recommended renaming T-Chowk at the junction of G.T. Road and the Islamabad Expressway as Potohar Chowk, saying the word “T” has no relevance to the area.
The NHA stated that the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are the hub of Potohar, and the new name would better represent the region.
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In a letter shared with the CDA, the NHA mentioned that it had completed a high-visibility project to uplift G.T. Road (N-5) from T-Chowk to Lalazar and named it Potohar Avenue for the convenience of commuters.
The authority said renaming the junction as Potohar Chowk would help improve reference points and ensure consistency with Potohar Avenue.
It is worth mentioning that the CDA is currently working on a Rs1.4 billion T-Chowk flyover project at the junction. A CDA official said the NHA’s proposal would be discussed with the federal government for a final decision.
