Rawalpindi is gearing up for a major upgrade in its public transport system as the district administration moves forward with a plan to introduce 75 new electric buses across the city. This initiative, launched under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, marks a significant step toward cleaner and more modern urban transportation in the region.

Officials involved in the project have confirmed that the first phase will begin next week, covering ten important routes across the garrison city. Maryam Nawaz is expected to officially inaugurate the service, which is being seen as a milestone for shifting major cities toward eco-friendly public mobility.

Phase 1: Electric Buses Start Rolling Out Next Week

To kickstart the project, a temporary electric bus charging station has already been set up at the old GTS bus stand on Adamjee Road in Saddar. This setup will support the first fleet of buses as the city prepares for a broader expansion.

Routes Planned for Phase 1

The initial electric buses will operate on the following routes:

Rawalpindi Railway Station → Lahore High Court (Rawalpindi Bench)
Koral Chowk → Fawara Chowk
Umar Baig Chowk → Mandi Morr
Munawar Colony → Saddar
Marrir Chowk → Motorway Mor
Faizabad → Tramri Chowk

These routes were selected specifically to cover areas where daily traffic volume is high, linking residential neighborhoods with major commercial and administrative zones. Passengers can expect quieter, cleaner buses with better onboard facilities than traditional diesel vehicles.

Phase 2: Two New Charging Stations by December

The second phase will add two additional charging stations at:

Peshawar Road Bus Stand
A second point near the old GT area

Once these stations are completed—expected by the end of December—35 more electric buses will join the city’s fleet. This will help increase route frequencies and reduce waiting times, especially during peak hours.

Phase 3: Final 30 Buses After Kutchery Chowk Project

The last phase will be completed after construction at Kutchery Chowk finishes. With the improvement of this key traffic point:

30 more buses will be introduced
Additional routes are expected to cover surrounding areas
Connectivity between major junctions will improve significantly

In total, Rawalpindi will have 75 new electric buses, making it one of the biggest electric bus deployments in Pakistan.

Why This Initiative Matters

Rawalpindi has long struggled with traffic congestion, rising pollution levels, and limited public transport options. The introduction of electric buses aims to address these issues by offering:

Cleaner and quieter travel
Reduced air pollution
Lower operating costs compared to fuel-based buses
Better comfort and reliability for daily commuters

The move aligns with Punjab’s broader sustainability goals under Maryam Nawaz’s leadership, emphasizing modern, climate-friendly public infrastructure.

Other Cities in Pakistan Are Also Going Electric

Rawalpindi is not alone in transitioning to greener transportation. Across Pakistan, several cities are either planning or already operating electric buses as part of larger climate and modernization efforts.

Lahore

Lahore recently began rolling out electric buses on selected routes as part of the Punjab Transport Company’s initiative. The city is building multiple charging stations and aims to gradually replace older diesel buses with electric ones.

Islamabad

Islamabad has introduced an electric bus fleet on the Blue Line and Green Line corridors, with dedicated charging points near Faiz Ahmed Faiz station. The federal capital plans to expand its electric bus network to link major residential and business districts.

Karachi

Karachi has experimented with electric buses under the Sindh Mass Transit Authority, including routes connecting Tower, Clifton, and Korangi. More e-buses are expected as part of the Karachi Breeze project.

Faisalabad & Multan

Both cities have shown interest in adopting electric buses through future public transport projects, with feasibility studies underway. As Punjab accelerates its clean transport agenda, these cities are likely to follow Lahore and Rawalpindi soon.

A Growing National Trend

Pakistan’s shift toward electric public transport is part of a broader strategy to combat pollution, modernize travel, and reduce reliance on expensive imported fuel. With Rawalpindi’s new electric buses coming online in three phases, the city will soon become one of the flagship examples of this transition.

Residents are hopeful that this initiative will finally offer a cleaner, more reliable, and more comfortable way to commute—while setting the stage for similar improvements across the country.