Rawalpindi Welcomes 45 New Chinese Electric Buses to Boost Eco-Friendly Public Transport
Keywords: Rawalpindi electric buses, Chinese EVs in Punjab, PMA, Punjab Transport Department, Green transport Pakistan
RAWALPINDI, Oct 22: A fleet of 45 state-of-the-art Chinese electric buses has arrived in Rawalpindi, marking a major step toward eco-friendly and affordable public transportation across Punjab.
The newly arrived buses will operate on ten routes within the garrison city this week, forming part of a broader initiative to introduce 1,100 electric buses across the province. Each bus comes equipped with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and an automated ticketing system. The buses are also designed to accommodate passengers with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity and comfort.
According to Gwadar Pro, the electric fleet will be integrated with the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus Service, enhancing connectivity and convenience for daily commuters.
Punjab Transport Department PRO Sheraz said that nearly 200 Chinese electric buses are already operational in nine districts of Punjab — including Mianwali (15 buses), Wazirabad (15), Sargodha (33), Sahiwal (16), Dera Ghazi Khan (24), Faisalabad (30), Pakpattan (15), Lahore (40), and Muzaffarabad (17). The remaining buses will be rolled out in other districts soon.
He added that the fare is expected to remain as low as Rs. 20, keeping the service affordable for low-income commuters.
A total of 80 electric buses are allocated for Rawalpindi, with 45 arriving in the first phase and 15 dispatched to Gujar Khan. The Punjab Masstransit Authority (PMA) will oversee operations in Rawalpindi, while the Punjab Transport Company will manage buses in Gujar Khan.
Uzair Shah, General Manager (Operations) at PMA, confirmed that all charging stations and depots have been fully prepared. “The buses will begin operations next month,” he said.
He added that under provincial law, the PMA is authorized to operate feeder buses for the Metro Bus Service. “All Chinese electric buses in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Multan will be managed by the PMA, whereas the Punjab Transport Company will handle operations elsewhere,” he stated.
To enhance commuter experience, the Regional Transport Authority is also constructing modern shelters at bus stops to protect passengers from weather elements. “Construction will start as soon as the buses hit the roads,” Shah added.
