CDA plans to electrify public, commercial transport

Islamabad:The Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, presided over a meeting at CDA Headquarters on Friday to deliberate plans for transitioning public and commercial vehicles to electric alternatives.

The meeting also reviewed proposals for introducing digital advertising on metro and electric vehicle (EV) buses, as well as at their respective bus stations. Senior officials, including the Member (Admin), Member T&D, and representatives from Islamabad Bus Service, attended the session.

Randhawa emphasized that this initiative represents a transformative step towards achieving a greener and more efficient public transportation system in Islamabad. He highlighted that the adoption of electric buses for public and commercial use would not only modernize the city's transport infrastructure but also significantly reduce its carbon footprint.

The chairman directed the inclusion of all relevant stakeholders to expedite the transition of commercial buses to electric. He also instructed officials to explore incentives that could accelerate the shift to electric mobility, focusing on environmental sustainability and minimizing the city's carbon emissions.

A key point of discussion was the development of EV charging infrastructure. Randhawa called for the introduction of new regulations to facilitate the establishment of charging stations at petrol pumps across the city, underscoring the critical role of infrastructure in the success of this initiative.

The CDA chairman also advocated for integrating digital advertisements on EV buses and at their stations. He noted that this step would not only enhance revenue generation but also reduce reliance on subsidies. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of designing digital screens to complement the city's aesthetics.

The meeting concluded with a decision to engage various institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, to support the transition to electric buses. This initiative underscores the CDA's commitment to sustainable urban development and aims to position Islamabad as a leading model for clean energy transportation in Pakistan.