The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has taken a significant step toward modernization and sustainability by deploying electric buses for the Diplomatic Enclave shuttle service in Islamabad. This move follows the conclusion of a three-year contract with a private firm, signaling a temporary yet potentially transformative change in how the service operates.
Electric Buses Take Over Shuttle Operations
Starting Monday, eight CDA-operated electric buses will provide shuttle services to the Diplomatic Enclave, ensuring continued access to the high-security area. The Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) has stepped in to oversee operations until a new contract is awarded. This shift comes amid growing concerns about private contractors exploiting passengers through excessive fares and inadequate service standards.
Previously, the shuttle service was managed by a private contractor who charged Rs500 for a round coaster ride and Rs1,000 for a high-roof van. Complaints of overcharging and the use of private cars to transport visa seekers at inflated prices prompted dissatisfaction among citizens. Notably, last year, a European diplomat raised concerns about overcharging with the CDA chairman, leading to warnings being issued to the contractor. Despite these efforts, complaints persisted.
A Security-Driven Service
The Diplomatic Enclave shuttle service was introduced after 9/11 as a security measure, restricting private vehicles from entering the high-security zone. While the service has ensured secure access for visitors, it has also raised questions about its long-term management and fairness to citizens. Some officials argue for allowing private vehicles into the enclave under proper security arrangements, while others suggest that the DMA should manage the service directly to avoid exploitation by private contractors.
Financial and Administrative Challenges
The previous contract for the shuttle service, awarded in 2020, was valued at Rs102.6 million annually. Efforts to award a new contract in December 2024 were postponed, fueling ongoing debates about the service’s future. For now, the CDA has introduced a computerized fare system, charging Rs1,000 per passenger, as a measure to streamline operations and address citizen concerns.
A Call for Permanent Solutions
The deployment of electric buses not only underscores CDA’s commitment to eco-friendly transportation but also highlights the pressing need for a long-term solution for the shuttle service. While some officials advocate for DMA’s permanent management of the service, others call for reforms that balance security, affordability, and citizen convenience.
The temporary arrangement with electric buses provides an opportunity for the CDA to evaluate its operational capabilities and address past shortcomings. Whether the agency will adopt a permanent management model or continue to rely on private contractors remains to be seen.
As CDA’s electric buses begin their operations, the move represents both a practical solution and a step toward sustainable urban mobility. However, the broader debate over the service’s future management and fare policies will continue to shape its evolution. The CDA now faces the challenge of ensuring fair, efficient, and secure transportation to the Diplomatic Enclave while addressing the concerns of all stakeholders.
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