The Punjab government has acquired 87 new air-conditioned electric buses from China, which arrived in Rawalpindi, with the aim of providing affordable yet modern travel facilities to citizens.
The project will cover a vast area of 84 kilometers across the twin cities. The buses are equipped with Wi-Fi, global positioning system (GPS) tracking and mobile charging ports.
Sources reported that construction work has already started at the old Government Transport Service (GTS) station. Charging stations are yet to be built at various locations across the city.
Read: The deployment of electric buses faces an obstacle
Traveling in these buses will be free for people above 60 years of age, while normal fares have been fixed at Rs 20 per ticket.
PML-N Rawalpindi Division President Malik Abrar Ahmed said 87 air-conditioned electric buses would be launched on four routes in stages. The first phase will extend from Rawat to Expressway Chowk, providing citizens with a comfortable and reliable travel option.
The project was supposed to be inaugurated on October 15 by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, but it was delayed due to the civil unrest gripping Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) across Punjab.
Learn more: An electric bus service should be deployed in Pindi
Malik Abrar said the people of Rawalpindi were eagerly awaiting the chief minister’s visit, describing the project as a historic public welfare initiative aimed at alleviating the problems of daily travel and extending modern facilities to all segments of the society.
He cited notable initiatives such as the school overhaul programme, establishment of mother and child hospitals, Punjab Green Tractor Scheme, subsidized food schemes and digital governance reforms – all reflecting the Punjab government’s commitment to transform Punjab into a modern, prosperous and welfare-oriented province.
