ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has allocated 160 electric buses for all the feeder routes of the Metro Bus Service, basically integrating and connecting them to various lines of the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) network.

Under the project, 216 bus stops and four depots would be established at strategic locations, complemented by a robust charging infrastructure to support operations.

This was stated in a briefing to CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa at a meeting held to discuss the operations of the electric and feeder buses on Saturday.

The meeting was informed that four feeder routes, inaugurated in July this year, were already operational with a significant increase in their daily ridership. On December 25 this year, an additional four routes were introduced, further expanding the network.

Four feeder routes inaugurated in July already operational with a significant increase in their daily ridership, meeting told

A charging infrastructure has already been established at Jinnah Convention Centre and H-9 while the construction of a bus depot at Zero Point was in progress.

According to a statement, the CDA chairman expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far and directed the officials concerned to launch the remaining 13 feeder routes soon.

He also instructed for the introduction of digital advertising boards in metro buses and terminals to enhance revenue streams and reduce reliance on subsidies, ensuring high-quality public service delivery.

The CDA chief emphasised the need for a comprehensive policy regulations to transition all commercial and private transport in Islamabad to electric vehicles.

“CDA should lead by example, converting its entire bus fleet to electric vehicles in the first phase. Additionally, the CDA will engage with other public sector institutions and universities in Islamabad to facilitate the transition of transportation systems to electric,” he said.

He directed the member finance to develop strategies to minimise subsidy dependence and ensure financial sustainability while introducing electric buses for the CDA. He called for the promotion of eco-friendly transport solutions in collaboration with citizens and stakeholders.

City beautification plan

Meanwhile, Mr Randhawa presided over a meeting to review various projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing the beauty of Islamabad.

He ordered installation of permanent modern lighting as introduced during the SCO summit in line with the prime minister’s directions. He said the first phase should focus on installing advanced and aesthetically pleasing and permanent lights along Constitution Avenue, Club Road and other key thoroughfares. Additionally, he emphasised collaboration with the Baku team for the installation of permanent lights in Saidpur Village, Melody Market and on Srinagar Highway where a beautification and uplift project was being carried out by the Baku team.

The chairman emphasised maintaining the high standards of lighting as showcased during the SCO summit and called for involving the corporate sector and leading brands under their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to contribute to the city’s beautification. He also instructed officials for the preparation of a working paper for extending lighting installations to other significant locations in the city.

Furthermore, Mr Randhawa directed the immediate initiation of work on installing SMD screens outside the Jinnah Convention Centre.

The MCI was directed to commence the process for extending digital streamers and digital boards at other strategic locations across Islamabad.

He also announced plans to establish a state-of-the-art nursery in Islamabad as per the prime minister’s directive. He called for collaboration with horticulture authorities from other major cities to exchange expertise and resources related to plants and flowers. The environment wing was tasked with preparing business models for the model nursery and presenting proposals for the establishment of shops to market flowers and bouquets prepared by the CDA nursery.

Moreover, horticulture designs, landscaping and plantation works at the underpasses of Serena and Jinnah Avenue interchanges should also be initiated, he added.

Published in Dawn, December 29th, 2024