Key Takeaways
- The Capital Development Authority (CDA) plans to introduce a double-decker electric bus service.
- The service will cover major tourist attractions and operate on a 25-kilometer city tour.
- The CDA is consulting Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) for feasibility and cost estimates.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is set to launch a double-decker electric bus service in Islamabad, aimed at promoting tourism in the city. According to CDA sources, the authority has approached Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) to conduct a feasibility study and provide cost estimates for procuring the buses.
The service will operate on a 25-kilometer route starting from F-9 Park and will cover major tourist attractions such as the Faisal Mosque, Lok Virsa, and Shakarparian. The CDA is currently consulting HIT and will decide the next steps after receiving its input.
A CDA official stated, 'Nothing is final yet, we may go for importing buses from China. We are waiting for input from HIT.' However, the proposed buses will be environment-friendly electric vehicles.
The CDA already operates an electric bus service through a contractor on more than 20 routes across Islamabad, with a fleet of over 160 buses. This service has received a strong response from residents, with large numbers of passengers using the buses daily.
The CDA has also announced plans for a tram service in Islamabad several times in the past, but those plans have yet to materialize. The new electric bus service is seen as a step towards improving public transportation in the city.
The official added, 'The service could be operational within three months if everything proceeds as planned.' The CDA is optimistic about the potential success of the new service, given the positive reception of the existing electric bus service.
Nothing is final yet, we may go for importing buses from China. We are waiting for input from HIT.
CDA official, Not specified
