The Punjab government continues its push for sustainable transport. Officials have announced a major expansion of the electric bus service to Gujar Khan and Jhelum. This initiative aims to improve connectivity with the federal capital and modernise intra-city travel.
New Electric Bus Service Route: Gujar Khan to Islamabad
Starting next month, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) will deploy 15 electric buses on the Gujar Khan to T-Chowk route. This service creates a direct link between Gujar Khan and the main entry point of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
According to RTA Secretary Asad Shirazi, the route is straightforward. Buses will depart from Gujar Khan Adda, travel along G.T. Road via Mandra Stop, and terminate at T-Chowk. Subsequently, they will return using the same corridor. This system effectively connects commuters to the broader Islamabad e-bus network.
Jhelum Fleet Inauguration
Simultaneously, the government has launched operations in Jhelum. Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan inaugurated 15 electric buses in the city today.
During the first phase, these buses will operate on three specific routes within the Jhelum district. The minister confirmed that more vehicles will join the fleet next month. He emphasised that providing modern travel facilities remains a top government priority.
Rawalpindi Operations Scaling Up
The electric bus network in Rawalpindi is also seeing significant growth. Currently, 45 buses operate on four active routes, serving over 26,000 passengers daily. RTA officials expect this number to rise further.
The government plans to increase the fleet to 80 buses within a few months. A new depot on Peshawar Road is nearing completion to support this expansion.
Key Expansion Stats:
| Metric | Current Status | Future Target |
| Rawalpindi Fleet | 45 Buses | 80 Buses |
| Active Routes | 4 Routes | 10 Routes (Total) |
| Passenger Count | 26,000+ Daily | Expected to Increase |
Six additional routes are currently pending. These will open immediately after development work concludes at Kutcheri Chowk and other key roads.
Provincial Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique attended the Jhelum launch. He stated that the PML-N government is committed to improving the country across all sectors, including health, education, business, and communication.
