RAWALPINDI (MNN) – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday announced the rollout of 80 electric buses for Rawalpindi to enhance public transport and ease traffic congestion.
The inauguration was earlier scheduled for October 15 but was postponed due to the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan protest in Islamabad.
Speaking at today’s launch ceremony, the chief minister said the new e-buses include modern facilities such as air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and mobile charging ports. She said the project is part of a wider plan to upgrade infrastructure and civic services in the garrison city, which also includes signal-free corridors, new flyovers, and upgraded hospitals.
Maryam Nawaz said the government has allocated substantial funds for road development and improvement. The electric buses, she added, represent a major step towards sustainable transportation and reducing environmental pollution. She noted that the buses are wheelchair-friendly and have separate compartments for women.
The fare for travelling on the buses has been set at Rs20, while women, senior citizens, and children with special needs will travel free of cost.
The chief minister further stated that the provincial government is simultaneously investing in health, education, and social welfare, with new schools and hospitals under construction and existing facilities being upgraded. She also claimed that crime in Punjab has declined by 70 percent, with ongoing efforts to further improve public safety.
According to a report published earlier by Dawn, 45 e-buses will operate in the first phase across four routes, with more vehicles to be added soon. Regional Transport Authority Secretary Asad Shirazi said that due to the ongoing Kutchery Chowk remodeling project, that corridor is not part of the initial routes.
Seven buses will run from Saddar to Qabristan Chowk at Misrial Road via Qasim Market and Shalley Valley (7 km).
Eight buses will operate from Fawara Chowk to Koral Chowk via Liaquat Bagh, Sir Syed Road, and Old Airport Road (11.3 km).
Seven buses will run from Saddar Metro Bus Station to Munawar Colony via Tulsa Road.
Fourteen buses will operate from Marrir Metro Bus Station to Motorway Chowk via The Mall and Peshawar Road (13.1 km).
