Rawalpindi getting 80 electric buses on 10 routes

RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government will launch 80 electric buses in Rawalpindi by mid-October to improve public transport and reduce pollution in the city.

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema told a private newspaper that the first batch of buses will arrive in October and start service in the second week of the month.

He said the eco-friendly buses will run on 10 new routes covering a total distance of 86 kilometres. These routes will connect Rawalpindi with the airport, railway station, metro bus stations, general bus stand, Islamabad, and other key areas of the garrison city.

The new service will also be linked with Islamabad’s transport network, allowing smooth travel between the twin cities.

“Our aim is to provide a modern and environment-friendly transport system while reducing pollution in Rawalpindi and cantonment areas,” Mr Cheema said.

Bus Depot Construction Underway:

A bus depot is being built on 28 kanals of land along Peshawar Road to park up to 100 electric buses. The land already belongs to the Transport and Masstransit Department, so no land acquisition issues are involved.

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New Routes Announced:

The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) has finalised 10 routes for the electric bus service:

1. Route 1: Railway Station to Lahore High Court Rawalpindi Bench

2. Route 2: Koral Chowk to Fawara Chowk

3. Route 3: Umar Baig Chowk to Mandi Mor

4. Route 4: Munawar Colony to Saddar

5. Route 5: Marrir Chowk to Motorway Mor

6. Route 6: Faizabad to Tramri Chowk

7. Route 7: IJP Metro Station to Kuri Road

8. Route 8: Saddar to Lalarukh Colony

9. Route 9: Umair Baig Road to Qadeemi Imambargah Mohallah

10. Route 10: Various areas within Saddar

Addressing Transport Challenges:

Dr Cheema said Rawalpindi, a major commercial and administrative hub, has struggled with traffic congestion due to rapid urbanisation and limited public transport options.

While the Metro Bus System has provided some relief, it only serves certain corridors, leaving many areas without proper public transport. As a result, people are forced to rely on private vehicles and informal services, which increases congestion and air pollution.

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To tackle these problems, the Punjab government has included two key projects in its Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2025–26:

• Induction of electric buses

• Development of urban bus depots with related infrastructure

The scheme for electric buses was approved by the Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) on October 25, 2024. Work on the bus depot and supporting facilities is already in progress.

Rawalpindi Electric Bus Routes Table: