Electric bus rollout hits roadblock

The planned delivery of 87 eco-friendly green electric buses to Rawalpindi district has been delayed owing to the absence of charging stations and a central terminal.

Consequently, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's scheduled visit to Rawalpindi on September 30 has also been cancelled, with a new date to be announced in due course.

Under the scheme, the buses were to be introduced in two phases: the first comprising 60 vehicles for Rawalpindi city, cantonment areas and adjoining localities including Gujar Khan; and the second adding 27 more for Kahuta, Kallar Syedan, Murree and Kotli Sattian.

The inaugural ceremony for the first phase, approved by the CM, had been set for September 30.

A final decision on the location of the central terminal has yet to be reached. Proposals included using the former Varan bus stand at Saddar or the old Varan site on Peshawar Road. However, during consultations, MNA Malik Abrar Ahmad from NA-55A constituency informed participants that the Peshawar Road site has already been earmarked for the construction of a government hospital.

Plans to install charging points along the designated routes have likewise not progressed. According to sources, the service will offer free travel to disabled passengers, students and senior citizens, while other commuters will be charged a fare of Rs20 per stop.

MNA Ahmad hailed the initiative as both public-friendly and environmentally responsible, expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister for approving the phased supply of 87 electric buses to the district.

He confirmed the cancellation of CM Maryam Nawaz's September 30 visit but said a new date would soon be set. By then, he added, work on the terminal site, supporting infrastructure and charging stations would be completed.

The legislator further noted that routes for the buses have already been finalised, and that the project would offer residents a modern and sustainable means of travel.