Islamabad’s modern electric bus service has quickly become a popular mode of transport, but city managers are now taking extra steps to ensure it remains both convenient and safe.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has directed all e-bus drivers to maintain a maximum speed of 40 km/h in city sectors and 45 km/h on highways, after receiving complaints of overspeeding that led to at least three non-fatal accidents.
An official explained that because electric buses are soundless and new to the city’s roads, extra care is required. “Drivers must strictly follow speed limits to avoid mishaps,” the advisory emphasized.
Growing Fleet, Growing Ridership
The e-bus project, run in partnership with the National Radio Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) was initiated last year with 170 buses. Currently, about 120 buses are active daily on 20 routes, carrying nearly 60,000 passengers.
Officials keep on saying that once depot upgrades and charging facilities are fully operational in the coming weeks, the entire fleet will hit the roads, potentially serving 100,000 passengers every day.
Two additional routes — G-9 Karachi Company to Faizabad and Nilor to Khannapul — are also in the pipeline, expanding the network to serve even more citizens.
Read more: Pakistan’s first 120KW fast EV charging station launched in Islamabad
Tracking & Passenger Experience
While the service has been warmly welcomed, passengers have raised concerns about tracking buses. Unlike international norms, the CDA mobile app does not yet show real-time arrival times. Officials confirmed that a request has already been sent to Google, and live tracking will be added soon.
To make navigation easier, experts have suggested printing route booklets for airports, railway stations, embassies, shopping malls, and bus stops, along with installing information boards at major stops.
Looking Ahead
Beyond buses, CDA had also declared a tram service, though that project is currently on hold. Instead, emphasis has shifted to launching a train service from Margalla Station (Islamabad) to Saddar (Rawalpindi) by March 2026, in collaboration with Pakistan Railways, upon the instructions of the prime minister.
For now, the emphasis is clear: keep buses safe, reliable, and accessible, ensuring that Islamabad’s commuters can enjoy modern, eco-friendly transport with peace of mind.