ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced the launch of five new metro bus routes to serve the residents of Islamabad. These new routes, which have been officially approved, are set to commence operations within the next two weeks ( in January 2025).
Here are the new routes:
- Tramri to Abpara via Park Road: This route will offer direct access between Tramri and Abpara via Park Road.
- Blue Line Extension from Gulberg Stop to GT Road: The Blue Line will be extended to GT Road, beginning at Gulberg Stop.
- Police Line to Faizabad, I-9, I-10, and I-11: This route will link the Police Line to Faizabad, I-9, I-10, and I-11 sectors.
- Police Line to D-12 Shah Allah Ditta via G-10, G-11, F-10, and F-11: This route will go through sectors G-10, G-11, F-10, and F-11 and connect the Police Line to D-12 Shah Allah Ditta.
- 26 number stop to B-17: 26 number will be connected to Sector B-17 via this route.
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The new metro bus routes will be served by electric buses, supporting the city’s goal for sustainable transport. These buses will reduce emissions and help improve air quality in Islamabad.
The metro buses will run every 10 minutes, offering fast and easy travel. Additionally, the CDA plans to add real-time tracking, allowing passengers to know exactly when the buses will arrive.
According to CDA administration, this expansion is a major step towards a smarter, more connected Islamabad. It will reduce travel times, encourage eco-friendly transport, and improve accessibility, making the city better for everyone.
Currently, electric buses are operating on four routes: Kohhinoor Mill to Sohan via Faizabad, PIMS to F-7 via Faisal Mosque, and PIMS to Quaid-i-Azam University. Ridership on these routes is around 21,000 daily, with the PIMS to Bari Imam and Quaid-i-Azam University route being the busiest.
The CDA started the electric bus service a few months ago with 160 buses managed by the contractor, NRTC. Of these, 48 buses are already running, and 70 more will be added for the new routes. In the third phase, the remaining 42 buses will be deployed.
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Under the contract, the CDA pays the contractor Rs306 to Rs331 per km, along with providing logistical support like bus stops, charging stations, and defined routes. Although the buses are scheduled to arrive every 10 minutes, there is no real-time tracking system for passengers to know the exact timing.
“There needs to be a proper system for passengers to get real-time updates on bus arrivals,” said an official.
Currently, six charging stations are operational at the Convention Centre, with 10 more recently set up at H-9. In the third phase, 20 additional stations will be established at Zero Point.
A press release from the CDA mentioned that the meeting was attended by the member planning, member engineering, and other officials. Discussions focused on optimizing current routes, adding new ones, managing costs, and reducing subsidies while ensuring quality service.
The CDA chairman directed the team to develop a plan for minimizing subsidies while maintaining high standards of public transport.
It may be recalled that earlier, the CDA launched two new electric bus routes for the citizens of Islamabad.
The first route covers a distance of 12 km from PIMS to the Secretariat, stopping at PIMS, Faisal Masjid, F-7, F-6, Marriott Hotel, and Pak Secretariat. The second route runs from Faizabad to Pir Wadhai Mor, covering a distance of 10 km and stopping at 17 locations.
More than 20 electric buses are plying on these new routes, with a fare of Rs 50. Bus charging stations have been set up at important locations like the Convention Center and H-9.
The buses are managed by the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC)..
