Islamabad Residents Praise CDA’s 160 Electric Buses Serving 150,000 Daily
Around 150,000 passengers travel daily on 160 air-conditioned electric buses operating across 21 routes, as CDA plans to expand ridership to 250,000 and further improve transport facilities.
ISLAMABAD, October 14, 2026: Residents of the federal capital have expressed appreciation for the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) electric bus service, which is providing affordable, comfortable and environmentally friendly public transportation to approximately 150,000 passengers every day across Islamabad.
According to the CDA, a fleet of 160 modern, air-conditioned electric buses is currently operating on 21 routes, facilitating thousands of students, office employees, women, senior citizens and other daily commuters.
The authority said the initiative has received positive feedback from residents who have welcomed the improved accessibility, comfort and convenience of public transportation across different parts of the capital.
The service is being expanded under the directions of Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi and the leadership of CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf, with the objective of developing a modern, affordable and sustainable public transport network.
150,000 Passengers Benefit Every Day
The electric bus network has become an important travelling option for residents commuting between residential sectors, commercial centres, educational institutions, hospitals and workplaces.
According to the CDA, approximately 150,000 passengers now use the service daily, reflecting growing public demand for reliable and accessible transportation.
The authority has set a target of increasing daily ridership to 250,000 passengers through improvements in route coverage, operational efficiency and passenger facilities.
The latest figures also indicate an increase from February 2026, when the government reported approximately 125,000 daily passengers.
Modern Charging Infrastructure Supports Fleet
To maintain uninterrupted operations, the CDA is developing charging infrastructure and modern bus depots across the federal capital.
A recently inaugurated electric bus depot has been designed to accommodate 64 charging units, supporting the operational requirements of the expanding fleet.
At the time of the depot’s inauguration in February, officials reported that 50 charging units were installed, with another 14 planned.
The authority continues to focus on strengthening charging facilities, fleet management and operational reliability to ensure more efficient transport services.
Affordable and Comfortable Transportation
The electric buses offer air-conditioned travel and are intended to provide commuters with a practical alternative to private vehicles and more expensive transportation options.
For students and working professionals who travel regularly, affordable public transport can help reduce commuting expenses while making daily journeys more convenient.
Women, elderly passengers and other residents who depend on public transportation are also among the groups expected to benefit from a reliable and accessible bus network.
According to the CDA, passengers have particularly appreciated the comfort and convenience of the buses operating across various city routes.
Supporting a Cleaner and Greener Islamabad
The initiative also supports the federal capital’s efforts to promote environmentally sustainable urban mobility.
Unlike conventional fuel-powered buses, electric buses produce no tailpipe emissions during operation, potentially helping reduce local air pollution and traffic-related noise.
By encouraging greater use of public transportation, the CDA aims to reduce dependence on private vehicles and support a cleaner urban environment.
The authority maintains that expanding electric mobility is an important component of developing Islamabad into a more environmentally responsible and better-connected capital.
Public Feedback to Guide Further Improvements
The CDA has emphasised that feedback from passengers remains important in assessing service performance and identifying areas requiring improvement.
Officials said efforts are continuing to strengthen route connectivity, charging infrastructure, passenger convenience and operational efficiency.
The authority aims to ensure that the growing public transport network can meet the changing travel requirements of Islamabad’s residents while maintaining affordability and service reliability.
With 160 electric buses operating across 21 routes and approximately 150,000 daily passengers, Islamabad’s electric bus service represents a significant expansion of public transportation in the federal capital.
As the CDA works towards its target of 250,000 daily passengers, sustained improvements in service quality, infrastructure and accessibility will be essential to maintaining public confidence and encouraging more residents to use environmentally friendly transport.
