CDA plans 30 pink electric buses for women in Islamabad

The Capital Development Authority plans to run an initial fleet of 30 pink electric buses for women in Islamabad and has directed the relevant department to prepare a summary for approval by the CDA board.

A senior CDA official said the authority had decided to launch the service. Once the board approves, the civic agency intends to engage Heavy Industries Taxila to arrange the purchase of the 30 electric buses, which are likely to be bought from China. The procurement would follow the model used for the capital's existing electric bus service.

The initiative, as described by the CDA official, is meant to give women and girls safer and more convenient public transport. Existing buses fill up during rush hours, and the new fleet is intended to ease that squeeze for women passengers.

The buses would first run on routes the existing service already covers. Additional routes could be introduced later, depending on passenger numbers and operational requirements, the official said.

Islamabad has more than 160 electric buses running on over 20 routes. The service has drawn an encouraging response from residents, but rising passenger numbers have made it hard for women to find space during peak hours. The pink buses are meant to give women and girls a dedicated service at those times.

The official did not say when the summary would go before the CDA board.

The CDA is also moving ahead with double-decker buses to promote tourism in the federal capital. Its board and the Development Working Party have approved the project. Four double-decker buses are planned at first for a 25-kilometre city tour that will start at F-9 Park.

The route will take in Faisal Mosque, Lok Virsa and Shakarparian.

The official said the double-decker service was at an advanced stage and could begin soon. The authority is aiming to introduce the pink electric buses within the next three months, he said.