Update: Launch of 80 Electric Buses in Rawalpindi Delayed — New Date to Be Announced Soon by CM Maryam Nawaz
The highly anticipated launch of 80 electric buses in Rawalpindi, part of the Punjab Green Mobility Program 2025, has been temporarily postponed due to security concerns and scheduling conflicts involving Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
The inauguration, originally planned for October 15 at Liaquat Bagh, was expected to mark a milestone in the province’s transition to clean public transport. However, officials from the Chief Minister’s Office confirmed that the ceremony will now take place at a later date, once law and order conditions improve and the CM’s availability is confirmed.
A senior district official stated:
“All arrangements for the event were complete, including security, logistics, and route readiness. The delay is purely administrative — the project itself remains fully on track.”
The decision comes amid heightened security alerts in the garrison city and follows a series of Punjab government events rescheduled for similar reasons.
Background: Punjab’s Electric Transport Revolution
The Punjab Electric Bus Service 2025 is one of the largest urban mobility transformations in Pakistan’s history. Led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the program aims to replace outdated diesel buses with zero-emission electric vehicles across Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, and Rawalpindi.
The Rawalpindi Electric Bus Project was set to deploy 80 modern electric buses across 10 urban routes, connecting major commercial and residential areas. Each bus is designed to carry up to 80 passengers, equipped with air conditioning, onboard surveillance, digital ticketing, and wheelchair accessibility — a step forward in inclusive, sustainable public transportation.
These buses are powered by advanced lithium-ion battery systems, offering up to 200 kilometers of travel per charge, and can recharge fully within two hours at high-capacity charging stations established along key terminals.
Reasons Behind the Postponement
Officials from the Rawalpindi District Administration clarified that the event’s delay was not due to project inefficiencies but rather the current law and order situation and changes in the CM’s schedule.
According to sources, certain sections of Murree Road, Rashid Minhas Road, and Old Airport Road had experienced partial closures for security sweeps ahead of the event. These operations slowed ongoing road patchwork, traffic marking, and beautification efforts.
Despite the delay, officials insist that the project’s launch will occur within the next few weeks after final inspection by the Punjab Transport Department (PTD).
Read More: Electric Bus Service Planned for Four Punjab Cities
City Prepared for the Launch — Beautification Already Complete
For weeks, the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Municipal Corporation (RMC), and Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) have been working tirelessly to prepare the city for the grand launch.
Under a Rs150 million beautification campaign, key roads have been resurfaced, intersections redesigned, and greenbelts refreshed with thousands of plants and flowers.
PHA Director General Ahmed Hassan Ranjha confirmed that 95% of the beautification project has been completed:
“The city’s main arteries are now transformed. Even if the bus service launch is delayed, the beautification efforts have already made Rawalpindi greener and more welcoming.”
From Liaquat Bagh to Faizabad, vibrant floral arrangements and illuminated signboards now line the routes where the electric buses will soon operate — a visible sign of the city’s modernization.
Rawalpindi to Join Punjab’s Green Mobility Network
Once inaugurated, Rawalpindi will become the fourth major city in Punjab to adopt an electric bus fleet after Lahore, Faisalabad, and Mianwali.
The program is part of the Punjab Green Transport Revolution, which focuses on:
- Reducing urban pollution by 25% annually,
- Cutting dependence on imported fuel,
- Introducing solar-powered charging depots, and
- Creating local employment opportunities in EV infrastructure and maintenance.
Each bus route will cover dense commuter corridors — from Marrir Hassan to Islamabad Expressway, ensuring connectivity between major residential, educational, and commercial hubs.
Read More: CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz Launches 3-Day Electric Bus Service for Raiwind Congregation 2025
Economic and Environmental Significance
The delay has not dampened enthusiasm around what many experts are calling a “turning point for Pakistan’s public transport sector.”
The Punjab Electric Bus Project 2025 is expected to save the province millions of dollars annually in fuel imports while dramatically lowering carbon dioxide emissions. The shift to electric mobility will also improve air quality in Rawalpindi — a city often ranked among the most polluted in the region.
Furthermore, by using locally assembled EVs and Pakistan-made battery components, the project aims to stimulate the domestic automotive industry and encourage technology transfer from foreign manufacturers.
New Launch Date Expected Soon
According to insiders at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, a new launch date will likely be announced by the end of October. The Punjab Transport Department and RDA are coordinating to ensure that all infrastructure — charging docks, terminals, and passenger facilities — are fully tested before public rollout.
Officials hinted that the inauguration might now coincide with the broader Green Punjab Week celebrations in early November, potentially making the event even larger and more symbolic.
Read More: CM Punjab Launches Electric Bus Service in Mianwali 2025
Voices from the City
Residents of Rawalpindi have expressed mixed feelings — disappointment over the delay but optimism about the initiative’s long-term benefits.
Commuters said they hope the buses will reduce their reliance on private vans and high-cost fuel, while students and professionals anticipate a cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable daily commute.
“Even if it’s delayed, it’s worth the wait,” said a university student at Faizabad. “We’ve never seen a project this modern before — it will change the city’s image.”
Broader Impact: Setting the Standard for Urban Transport in Pakistan
The Electric Bus Launch in Rawalpindi 2025 is more than a local development — it’s a model for sustainable urban transformation across Pakistan.
Punjab’s success could encourage other provinces to adopt eco-friendly mass transit, aligning with national climate goals and Pakistan’s commitment to the Paris Agreement on Carbon Reduction.
The project also aligns with Maryam Nawaz’s broader vision of women-friendly, digital, and inclusive transport systems, as female drivers and conductors are expected to be part of the upcoming fleet — a first in Punjab’s history.
Conclusion
While the launch of 80 electric buses in Rawalpindi has been temporarily delayed, the project’s spirit remains undiminished. It stands as a symbol of progress, environmental responsibility, and modern governance under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s leadership.
Once operational, the electric fleet will not only redefine public transportation standards but also position Punjab as a regional leader in clean energy mobility.
The message from the government is clear: the delay is temporary, but the future of green, smart, and sustainable travel in Pakistan is here to stay.
