ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has directed drivers of electric buses to strictly follow the speed limit of 40 kilometers per hour in sector areas and 45 kilometers per hour on highways to ensure passenger safety.
The decision came after several complaints of overspeeding, which reportedly caused three non-fatal accidents on different routes, according to media reports.
A CDA official said the new electric buses are very quiet and need to be handled carefully.
“Drivers must strictly follow the speed limit to avoid accidents,” the official emphasized.
Electric Bus Operations:
Last year, CDA’s contractor, National Radio Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC), procured 170 electric buses. Currently, only 120 buses are running on 20 routes because of limited charging capacity.
CDA officials said work at the main charging depot is near completion, and all 170 buses are expected to be on the roads in the coming weeks. “We hope to fully resolve the charging issue by the end of this month,” an official stated.
At present, around 60,000 passengers use the electric buses daily. Once the entire fleet is operational, the number could reach 100,000 passengers per day, according to CDA estimates.
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New Routes to Launch Soon:
Besides the existing orange and green bus services, the electric buses currently operate on 20 routes. CDA plans to add two more routes, including:
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G-9 Karachi Company to Faizabad
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Nilor to Khannapul
Passenger Tracking Issues:
While the service has received positive feedback, passengers are facing difficulty tracking bus timings. The CDA Mobile App, recently launched for Android and iOS, does not currently show real-time arrival information.
Officials said a request has been made to Google to integrate tracking features, which will be added soon.
An official also suggested distributing route guide booklets at airports, railway stations, embassies, malls, and bus stops, along with installing information boards at every stop to assist passengers.
Last year, CDA announced plans to introduce a tram service, but the project has now been shelved.
Instead, CDA and Pakistan Railways are working on a train service connecting Margalla Station in Islamabad to Saddar, Rawalpindi.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed both departments to ensure the train project is operational by March 2026.
