The Punjab government has procured 87 new air-conditioned electric buses from China, which have arrived in Rawalpindi, with an aim to provide affordable yet modern travel facilities to citizens.
The project will cover an extensive area of 84 kilometers across the twin cities. The buses are equipped with Wi-Fi, global positioning system (GPS) tracking and mobile charging ports.
Sources reported that construction work on the old Government Transportation Service (GTS) station has already begun. Charging stations have not yet been built in several places in the city.
Read: Electric bus launch hits roadblock
Traveling in these buses will be free for people above 60 years of age, while the normal fares have been fixed at Rs 20 per ticket.
PML-N Rawalpindi division president Malik Abrar Ahmed said 87 air-conditioned electric buses would be launched on four routes in phases. The first phase will operate from Rawat to Highway Chowk, providing citizens with a convenient and reliable commuting option.
The project was supposed to be inaugurated on October 15 by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, but it was delayed due to Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) civil unrest across Punjab.
Read more: Electric bus service to be launched in Pindi
Stating that the people of Rawalpindi were eagerly awaiting the Prime Minister’s visit, Malik Abrar described the project as a historic public welfare initiative aimed at easing the challenges of daily commuting and extending modern facilities to all segments of the society.
He cited notable initiatives such as the School Renewal Programme, establishment of mother and child hospitals, Punjab Green Tractor Scheme, subsidized food programs and digital governance reforms, all of which reflect the Punjab government’s commitment to transform Punjab into a modern, prosperous and welfare-oriented province.
