By In a significant step toward sustainable urban mobility, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi inaugurated the Islamabad electric bus depot and charging center, marking another milestone in the federal capital’s transition to eco-friendly public transport. The minister also announced that the electric bus service will soon be extended to Rawat, improving connectivity for commuters traveling between Islamabad and its surrounding areas.
During the ceremony, Naqvi took a ride on one of the electric buses along with senior officials and received a comprehensive briefing on the depot’s operations and charging infrastructure. He congratulated the project team for completing the facility, highlighting its importance in promoting green transportation solutions.
125,000 Daily Commuters, Target to Double Ridership
Speaking at the event, Naqvi revealed that approximately 125,000 commuters are currently using Islamabad’s electric buses daily. The government aims to increase this number to 250,000 passengers per day in the near future. Routes have been carefully designed, keeping in mind the commuting needs of both male and female students, ensuring better accessibility to educational institutions across the capital.
The minister noted that the electric bus fleet, alongside the metro service, is playing a crucial role in reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions in Islamabad. He also announced the restoration of the Rawalpindi–Islamabad railway service to further enhance public transport options.
Charging Infrastructure and Local Manufacturing at HIT
Officials briefed the minister that the new depot has the capacity to accommodate 64 electric chargers. Currently, 50 chargers have been installed, while 14 more will be added soon. Each charger can power two buses in approximately two hours, ensuring operational efficiency and minimal downtime.
In a major boost for Pakistan’s local industry, Naqvi stated that Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) will begin local manufacturing of electric buses. This initiative is expected to reduce import dependency, create jobs, and strengthen the country’s electric vehicle ecosystem.
21 Routes and Google Integration
At present, electric buses are operating on 21 routes across Islamabad. The project has also been integrated with Google, enabling commuters to access route details and schedules more conveniently through digital platforms.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Chief Commissioner Islamabad, IG Islamabad Police, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, and other senior officials, reflecting the government’s commitment to expanding sustainable public transport infrastructure in the federal capital.
