Rawalpindi Electric Bus Network to Start Operations Under Maryam Nawaz’s Supervision
Rawalpindi’s district administration has confirmed that the long-awaited Electric Bus Service will officially launch next week, with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expected to inaugurate the project.
The initiative represents a major leap in urban transport modernization, making Rawalpindi one of the first Pakistani cities to adopt a large-scale eco-friendly public bus system. Officials revealed that the first phase will include 10 routes across the garrison city, offering a clean, quiet, and cost-effective commute for thousands of passengers daily.
Details of the First Phase
A senior administration official confirmed that 80 electric buses are being deployed under the project. Of these, 45 buses—which arrived last month—are ready for service, while the remaining 35 units will be added once charging stations on Peshawar Road are completed by the end of December 2025.
Each bus is equipped with modern safety systems, air-conditioning, and low-floor accessibility for elderly and disabled passengers. The service will initially operate between Rawalpindi Saddar, Murree Road, Sixth Road, Faizabad, and Islamabad Expressway points, connecting major residential and commercial zones.
“This service will set a new benchmark for public transport in Punjab. The aim is to provide citizens with an affordable, green, and comfortable commuting option,” said an RTA official involved in the project.
Inauguration Timeline and Background
The official launch was originally planned for October 15, 2025, but was postponed due to security concerns during the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protest in Islamabad.
Following weeks of re-evaluation, the district administration has now finalized November 18, 2025 as the tentative launch date, pending the chief minister’s availability.
Preparations include:
- Final testing of vehicles and smart-card systems
- Establishment of a temporary charging facility at the old GTS bus stand on Adamjee Road
- Installation of charging equipment at Haider Road and Peshawar Road depots
- Staff training and route simulation by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA)
Where Are the Buses Stationed?
Currently, the electric buses are parked at two locations — the GTS Bus Stand and the Metro Bus Command and Control Centre on Haider Road.
These hubs have been fitted with basic maintenance and charging setups until permanent infrastructure is completed. Officials clarified that no delays are expected in passenger operations as the temporary charging network has been tested and approved.
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Route Planning and Connectivity
In its first phase, the electric buses will operate along 10 key corridors, connecting:
- Saddar → Faizabad
- Committee Chowk → Shamsabad
- Peshawar Road → Gulistan Colony
- Tench Bhata → Mall Road
- Murree Road → Rawal Road
- Pir Wadhai → Faizabad
- Adiala Road → Kutchery Chowk
- Dhamial → Saddar Terminal
- Chaklala → Metro Corridor Link
- Bahria Town → Faizabad Terminal
Each route will integrate with the existing Metro Bus Network, enabling seamless travel between Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
To ensure timely operation, RTA Secretary Asad Shirazi confirmed that driver training and scheduling have been completed, and fare integration with Metro’s e-system will follow soon.
Temporary Diversions and Traffic Adjustments
Due to ongoing construction at Kutchery Chowk, buses will temporarily skip that stop, using alternative roads until the intersection reopens.
Traffic police have issued an advisory plan for smooth flow, ensuring minimal disruption. Once the Chowk’s underpass project is completed, the full 10-route grid will operate without detours.
Charging Infrastructure and Power Management
A total of three permanent charging stations are under development at:
- Peshawar Road Depot
- Adamjee Road Old GTS Stand
- Chaklala Scheme III Bus Terminal
These hubs will feature fast DC chargers capable of recharging a bus in under 60 minutes. Engineers are working with IESCO and LESCO teams to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
Until then, temporary charging setups will function in shifts to maintain the schedule for 45 active buses.
A Step Toward Sustainable Public Transport
The Rawalpindi Electric Bus Project is part of Punjab’s green mobility agenda, spearheaded by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif under the PAVE (Pakistan Accelerated Vehicle Electrification) initiative.
The government aims to convert major urban fleets into zero-emission electric vehicles by 2028, targeting cities like Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi.
The first batch of 80 buses in Rawalpindi will help reduce carbon emissions by over 8,000 tons annually, cutting operational fuel costs by 40 percent compared to diesel buses.
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Public Response and Expectations
Citizens have expressed strong support for the new system. Many believe that electric buses will help curb Rawalpindi’s air pollution levels, reduce noise pollution, and offer a comfortable travel alternative to rickshaws and minibuses.
“We hope these buses will run regularly and not vanish like previous projects,” said Saima Tariq, a commuter from Saddar to Faizabad.
“If fares stay affordable, this will be the best option for office workers and students.”
Eco-Friendly and Modern Features
Each bus is equipped with:
- Air-conditioning and USB charging ports
- Automatic doors and low entry for wheelchairs
- CCTV cameras and GPS tracking
- Digital fare collection system compatible with Punjab Transport Cards
- Passenger information screens and route announcements
The vehicles will operate silently and require minimal maintenance, ensuring higher uptime and better fuel efficiency.
Employment and Economic Impact
The introduction of the electric bus service is also creating new job opportunities. More than 300 drivers, technicians, and maintenance workers have been trained under Punjab Transport Company’s e-mobility program.
Additionally, local technical institutes have been asked to design EV maintenance courses to support future expansion.
Integration with Metro Bus Service
Officials confirmed that the electric bus routes will be fully synchronized with the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus Service. Passengers will be able to switch between services using a single smart card, reducing travel times and improving convenience.
The plan includes:
- Joint ticketing systems
- Unified mobile app for tracking and schedules
- Shared depots and maintenance facilities
Government’s Long-Term EV Vision
Punjab’s Transport Department has outlined a long-term strategy that includes:
- Electrifying 30 percent of public transport vehicles by 2030
- Introducing EV leasing schemes for private operators
- Setting up solar-powered charging stations across cities
- Launching women-only EV commute services
Rawalpindi’s bus project is seen as a pilot program for these larger provincial ambitions.
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Conclusion About Rawalpindi Electric Bus Service Launch Date 2025:
The launch of the Rawalpindi Electric Bus Service marks a transformative step toward green mobility and urban sustainability in Punjab. With advanced technology, eco-friendly design, and integration with the Metro network, the initiative represents a forward-looking solution to Pakistan’s urban transport challenges.
As Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz prepares to inaugurate the service, Rawalpindi is set to become a model city for electric public transport, paving the way for a cleaner, more connected, and sustainable future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will the Rawalpindi Electric Bus Service start?
The first phase is set to launch next week, with November 18, 2025 expected as the inauguration date.
2. How many buses will operate initially?
45 buses will run in the first phase, with 35 more joining by December 2025.
3. Who will inaugurate the project?
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is expected to inaugurate the service.
4. Will the service connect to Islamabad?
Yes. The routes will integrate with the Metro Bus System, connecting key inter-city terminals.
5. Are the buses environment-friendly?
Absolutely. They are 100 percent electric, producing zero tailpipe emissions and reducing fuel dependency.
