Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has formally inaugurated the Phase-I Electric Bus Service in Rawalpindi, marking a major step toward modern, affordable and eco-friendly urban transport. A fleet of 45 state-of-the-art electric buses has begun operating across key routes in the city, including Raja Bazaar, the City area, Cantonment surroundings and Metro Bus Station corridors.
Under the first phase, 45 buses are currently running, and the fleet will soon be expanded to 80 buses. In the long-term plan, the electric bus network will be scaled up to 145 buses, extending service to the entire Potohar region, including Jhelum, Chakwal, and Attock.
Initial Routes (Phase-I)
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Route 1: Sardar Chowk → Qabristan Chowk (via Qasim Market, Shalley Valley)
Distance: 7 km -
Route 2: Fawara Chowk → Koral Chowk (via Liaquat Bagh, Old Airport Road)
Distance: 11.3 km -
Route 3: Sardar Chowk Metro Station → Munawar Colony
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Route 4: Marrir Metro Station → Motorway Chowk (via The Mall, Peshawar Road)
Distance: 13.1 km
Fares & Special Facilities
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Standard fare: Approximately Rs. 20 per ride
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Free travel for:
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Women
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Students
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Senior citizens
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Persons with disabilities
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Service Hours
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First bus: ~6:00 AM
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Last bus: ~11:00 PM
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Service runs daily, including weekends.
Frequency
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Peak hours: Every 10–12 minutes
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Off-peak hours: Every 15–20 minutes
A detailed, stop-by-stop timetable has not yet been officially released. The government plans to publish schedules on a mobile app and website once the system is fully integrated.
Digital display screens are being installed at bus stops to show real-time arrival information, and a live bus-tracking mobile app is expected to follow, making the service more convenient for daily commuters.
The launch marks a significant step toward reducing traffic congestion and promoting clean public transport across Rawalpindi and, eventually, the wider Potohar region.
