CDA plans to procure 30 pink electric buses through Heavy Industries Taxila, while four double-decker buses are being prepared for a tourist route covering major Islamabad attractions.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is planning to introduce 30 dedicated pink electric buses for women in Islamabad within the next three months to provide safer and more convenient public transport, particularly during peak hours.
A senior CDA official confirmed that the authority had decided to launch the women-only bus service and directed the relevant department to prepare a summary for approval by the CDA board.
Following the board’s approval, the civic agency plans to engage Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) to arrange the procurement of 30 electric buses, which are likely to be sourced from China. The acquisition process is expected to follow the model adopted for Islamabad’s existing electric bus service.
According to the official, the pink buses will initially operate on routes already covered by the existing electric bus network. However, additional routes may be introduced depending on passenger demand and operational requirements.
Islamabad currently has more than 160 electric buses operating across over 20 routes. The service has received an encouraging response from residents, but rising passenger numbers have created difficulties for women seeking space on crowded buses, particularly during rush hours.
The proposed pink electric bus service is intended to address this challenge by providing women and girls with an exclusive public transport facility.
The initiative is part of the CDA’s broader efforts to expand public transportation and improve travel facilities in the federal capital.
Meanwhile, the authority is also advancing plans to introduce double-decker buses to promote tourism and provide visitors with an opportunity to explore Islamabad’s major attractions.
The CDA has secured approval from its board and the Development Working Party for the tourism project. Initially, four double-decker buses are planned for a 25-kilometre city tour beginning at F-9 Park.
The proposed route will include several prominent landmarks, including Faisal Mosque, Lok Virsa and Shakarparian.
A senior CDA official said preparations for the double-decker bus service had reached an advanced stage and the project could become operational soon.
The pink electric bus initiative is also expected to move forward, with the authority aiming to introduce the dedicated service within the next three months.
Both projects are intended to expand Islamabad’s transport facilities, with the women’s bus service addressing passenger needs and the double-decker initiative focusing on tourism.
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