By Rawalpindi’s public transport system is set for a major improvement as the Punjab government has added 35 new electric buses to the city’s existing fleet, increasing the total number of buses to 80. The expansion aims to improve affordable, environmentally friendly public transportation and provide commuters with better connectivity across the garrison city.
According to a report published by Dawn, the newly added electric buses will begin operating on existing routes from Friday. However, services on two routes along Peshawar Road will remain suspended due to ongoing construction work on the Race Course Park and Charing Cross underpasses.
The Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMTA) suspended operations on these routes following recommendations from traffic police to manage traffic movement around the construction sites.
Two Rawalpindi Electric Bus Routes Remain Suspended
The two affected routes include:
- Saddar to Bhatta Chowk
- Marrir Chowk to Motorway Chowk at Chungi No. 26
These routes will resume operations once the ongoing underpass construction work is completed and road conditions allow public transport services to operate safely.
A senior district administration official told Dawn that the authority plans to deploy 25 buses across eight operational routes, depending on passenger demand. The remaining buses will be introduced into service after the two suspended routes reopen.
Currently, 40 electric buses are operational, while five additional buses are being kept in reserve.
Eight Routes to Receive Electric Bus Services
The Rawalpindi electric bus network currently covers eight operational routes, connecting several important residential, commercial, and transport areas.
These routes include major destinations such as:
- Saddar
- Koral Chowk
- Fawara Chowk
- Mandi Mor
- Faizabad
- Tramri Chowk
- Kuri Road
- Lalarukh Colony
The expansion is expected to improve public transport accessibility for daily commuters, students, office workers, and residents travelling between different parts of Rawalpindi.
Free Travel for Women, Students and Senior Citizens
One of the key attractions of the Rawalpindi electric bus service is its affordable fare structure.
Women, senior citizens, and students can travel free of charge, while other passengers are required to pay a fixed fare of Rs. 25.
The initiative is designed to reduce commuting expenses and encourage more people to use public transportation instead of private vehicles and motorcycles.
With rising transportation costs, the subsidised fare structure is expected to provide financial relief to thousands of daily passengers.
Electric Buses to Connect With Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Network
Uzair Shah, General Manager of Operations at the Punjab Mass Transit Authority, told Dawn that arrangements had been completed to charge the newly added electric buses at the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) depot on Adamjee Road.
He also explained that the Punjab Mass Transit Authority has the legal authority to operate feeder bus services for the Metro Bus Service.
The electric buses will also provide connectivity with the existing Metro Bus network serving Rawalpindi and Islamabad. This integration is expected to make public transportation more convenient for passengers travelling between the twin cities.
Maryam Nawaz Launched Rawalpindi Electric Bus Service in 2025
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the Rawalpindi electric bus service in November 2025 with an initial fleet of 45 buses.
Following a positive response from commuters, the provincial government arranged an additional 35 buses to expand the service and accommodate growing passenger demand.
The latest expansion brings the total fleet to 80 electric buses, reflecting the government’s efforts to modernise public transportation and promote cleaner mobility across Punjab.
The addition of 35 electric buses is an important development for Rawalpindi’s public transport infrastructure. With the total fleet reaching 80 buses, commuters can expect improved transportation options, affordable fares, and better connections with the Islamabad Metro Bus network.
Once construction work on Peshawar Road is completed and the two suspended routes reopen, the Punjab Mass Transit Authority will be able to deploy more buses across the network, further strengthening public transport services in the twin cities.
Disclaimer: This article is based on reported information available at the time of writing. Bus routes, schedules, fares, and service availability may change according to official announcements.
