Capital's transport to be transitioned to EVs

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced plans to transition public and commercial transport in the city to electric vehicles (EVs). As part of this initiative, the CDA will introduce new regulations to facilitate the establishment of EV charging stations at all petrol pumps in Islamabad.

The decision was made during a meeting chaired by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa on Friday. The meeting also reviewed proposals for introducing digital advertisements on metro buses, EV buses, and bus stations to generate additional revenue.

Randhawa called the move a significant step toward creating an efficient and environmentally friendly public transport system. "Converting public and commercial buses to EVs will not only modernise the city's transport infrastructure but also significantly reduce carbon emissions," he said. He directed the officers concerned to engage all relevant stakeholders in the transition process and explore the possibility of offering special incentives to expedite the adoption of EV technology.

The meeting emphasised the importance of upgrading the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. The authority is committed to ensuring the availability of EV charging stations at all petrol pumps in Islamabad to support this transition.

Furthermore, the chairman approved plans to implement digital advertisements on buses and bus stations, which are expected to increase revenue while reducing dependence on subsidies. "Digital screens must be installed in a manner that enhances the city's aesthetic appeal," Randhawa noted.