Rawalpindi is set to take a major leap toward modern, eco-friendly public transport as the Punjab government prepares to launch 80 electric buses on the city’s roads by mid-October. Officials say the move will not only ease traffic congestion but also help tackle growing pollution levels in the garrison city.
Speaking to Dawn, Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema confirmed that the buses will start service in the second week of October. These buses will cover 10 newly planned routes stretching 86 kilometers, connecting key areas such as the airport, railway station, Metro Bus stations, general bus stand, and even parts of Islamabad.
“The new system will be fully integrated with Islamabad’s transport network, making travel between the twin cities smoother and more convenient,” Dr. Cheema explained.
The project is part of the Punjab government’s wider effort to reduce air pollution and modernize the public transport system, particularly in Rawalpindi and its cantonment areas, where reliance on old, fuel-based vehicles has worsened environmental and traffic problems.
Routes Designed for Accessibility
The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) has allocated 10 routes for the buses. Some highlights include:
• Route One: Railway Station to Lahore High Court Rawalpindi Bench
• Route Two: Koral Chowk to Fawara Chowk
• Route Five: Marrir Chowk to Motorway Mor
• Route Six: Faizabad to Tramri Chowk
• Route Eight: Saddar to Lalarukh Colony
Other routes will connect densely populated neighborhoods and underserved areas, ensuring the service reaches a broad section of residents.
Infrastructure in Progress
To house and maintain the new buses, the government is constructing a modern depot on 28 kanals of land along Peshawar Road. The depot will initially handle 100 electric buses, ensuring space for future expansion. The land is already owned by the Transport and Masstransit Department, making the project faster to implement.
Dr. Cheema acknowledged that while the Punjab Metro Bus System provided relief to commuters, it mainly served select corridors. Many neighborhoods remained without proper public transport, leaving residents to depend heavily on private vehicles and informal services—both of which add to congestion and pollution.
“Rawalpindi is a growing commercial and administrative hub, but its transport network hasn’t kept up with the city’s needs,” he said. “This initiative will directly address that gap.”
A Step Toward Sustainable Cities
The induction of electric buses and construction of urban bus depots are part of the Annual Development Programme 2025–26. Officials keep on emphasizing that this is just the beginning of a long-term plan to modernize urban mobility across Punjab.
With electric buses on the horizon, the masses of Rawalpindi will get a chance to breathe in cleaner air, smoother travel, and a transport system that matches the pace of a modern city.