Second Batch of Electric Buses Delayed in Rawalpindi

The rollout of the second batch of 42 Green Electric Buses for Rawalpindi district has stalled because authorities have not yet completed the required bus stops and charging stations.

The delay comes even as the first batch of 45 buses continues to operate across Rawalpindi city, the cantonment, and areas falling within Islamabad limits, providing residents with an efficient public transport option.

People in the tehsils remain hopeful that the expanded service will begin soon.

After Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the project, officials placed 45 electric buses on four active routes: Raja Bazaar to Koral Chowk; Marrir Chowk to Motorway Chowk; Saddar to Adiala Road (Manwar Colony); and Saddar to Chakri Road (Qabristan Chowk).

However, the Municipal Corporation has completed only seven of the 82 planned bus stops in Rawalpindi city. In the cantonment area, where 152 stops are planned, the corporation still requires formal permission to construct them with Punjab government funds.

The Rawalpindi commissioner has sent a summary to the Secretary of Local Government requesting that the construction be declared a “wild charge,” which would legally allow the bus stops to be built in cantonment limits. Municipal officials say they will begin construction once they receive the necessary funds and approvals.

The district will extend the service to Gujar Khan, Kallar Syedan, Kahuta, Wah, Taxila, and Murree–Kotli Sattian after receiving the additional 42 buses, but those routes also lack bus stops and charging stations, creating further delays.