RAWALPINDI: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced that the government is allocating 80 electric buses for Rawalpindi to improve public transport and reduce traffic congestion.
She was supposed to inaugurate the new transport system on October 15, but the event was cancelled due to the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan protest in Islamabad.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony today, CM Maryam said the electric buses come with modern facilities such as air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and charging ports.
She said the project is part of the government’s broader plan to upgrade Rawalpindi’s infrastructure. Other development works include signal-free corridors, new flyovers, and improved hospitals.
The chief minister said the government has spent major funds on road construction and rehabilitation. She added that electric buses will help promote clean transportation and reduce pollution.
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She noted that the buses are wheelchair-accessible and have separate compartments for women.
CM Maryam said the fare for the journey has been set at Rs20, while women, senior citizens, and children with special needs will travel free of cost.
She added that the government is also working to improve healthcare, education, and social welfare across Punjab. New hospitals and schools are being built, while existing ones are being expanded.
She claimed that crime has dropped by 70 percent in Punjab and the government is taking further steps to ensure public safety. These measures, she said, aim to improve living standards and support long-term development.
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Earlier, Newspaper reported that in the first phase, 45 electric buses will run on four routes, and more buses will be added soon.
According to RTA Secretary Asad Shirazi, the Kutchery Chowk remodeling project is still underway, so it is not part of the initial routes.
The breakdown of buses per route is as follows:
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Route 1: Saddar to Qabristan Chowk at Misrial Road via Qasim Market and Shalley Valley – 7 buses (7 km)
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Route 2: Fawara Chowk to Koral Chowk via Liaquat Bagh, Sir Syed Road, and Old Airport Road – 8 buses (11.3 km)
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Route 3: Saddar Metro Bus Station to Munawar Colony via Tulsa Road – 7 buses
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Route 4: Marrir Metro Bus Station to Motorway Chowk via The Mall and Peshawar Road – 14 buses (13.1 km)
