Islamabad Double-Decker Electric Bus service may soon become a new attraction for tourists. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is planning an electric bus service connecting major landmarks across the capital.
Islamabad Double-Decker Electric Bus Route and Schedule
The authority is starting the project gradually. Initially, four buses will operate on a 25-kilometre city tour, according to CDA sources.
For this purpose, the CDA has submitted a proposal to Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT). The proposal requests a feasibility study. It will also estimate the cost of purchasing the buses.
Where the Buses Might Come From?
Importing double-decker buses is one possible solution. Islamabad previously imported 160 electric buses for use across the city.
The final electric buses may come from China or another country. HIT is an important technical partner in the feasibility study. Its potential role includes designing, manufacturing, assembling, and testing modern electric buses.
This Isn’t Islamabad’s First Electric Bus Effort
The authority also runs a weekly electric bus service from PIMS to Daman-e-Koh and Shakarparian. These are popular weekend tourist destinations in the Margalla Hills. The buses operate every 10 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation has also launched a double-decker sightseeing bus service in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. A round-trip city tour ticket costs Rs. 500.
It is different from the proposed CDA service. However, both services share the same basic goal. They aim to help visitors explore the capital beyond its busy streets.
Worth Noting: Past Transit Plans Haven’t Always Landed
It is fair to note that CDA has discussed other bold transit schemes for Islamabad, such as introducing a transit tram, but none materialized. While this does not mean the double-decker bus plan will take the same route, it helps explain why officials are pursuing a feasibility study rather than a formal launch.
Conclusion
Although the CDA’s double-decker electric bus plans are still in the early feasibility stage, HIT is already involved, and Islamabad already has an electric bus network. If all goes well, Islamabad may be able to see new tourist destinations while on a double-decker bus in a few months.
