Islamabad: The Ministry of Science and Technology on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to operate electric buses in the federal capital, according to a news source.
Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry conducted a briefing in this regard. He revealed that the authorities concerned would be operating 30 buses in the first phase of this initiative. He added that once these buses become operational, over 48,000 commuters would benefit from the service on a daily basis. Furthermore, he expounded that the maintenance costs of electric buses are 30% lower than those of conventional diesel buses. In addition, these buses are expected to save approximately PKR 500 million and 30,000 barrels of fuel annually.
According to CDA sources, this proposed bus service will operate along the following routes: Nilor Chowk to Koral Chowk, Rawat to Faisal Mosque, Bhara Kahu to Marghazar Zoo via Dhokri, Aabpara, Polyclinic and F-6, GT Road near the Railway Carriage Factory to IJ Principal Road metro station, Lehtrar Chowk to Aabpara, and Tarnol to F-9 Park.
Reportedly, the bus service has been launched in order to cater to the growing transport needs of Islamabad, which has become the fastest-growing city in Pakistan.
