Islamabad's New Metro Routes Encounter Delay with Late Bus Deliveries

The new metro routes in Islamabad are facing delay as initial shipment of 30 electric buses from China has faced a delay due to the shortage of available shipping vessels. Originally slated for imminent departure from China, the delay in vessel availability has caused a setback in the delivery timeline.

According to officials who have communicated with local media outlets, they are actively engaged with Chinese authorities to address the issue. Plans are underway to load the buses onto a vessel, with the intention of doing so by Thursday.

Despite this setback, officials remain optimistic that the first batch of 30 electric buses will arrive at the Karachi port within the next three weeks. Following their arrival, they will be transported to Islamabad. Subsequently, two more batches are anticipated to follow within the next two months.

The contract for manufacturing these electric buses was awarded to an international firm, with the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) designated to operate them across 13 routes within the federal capital.

Previously, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the NRTC had entered into an agreement, whereby the CDA would compensate the NRTC between Rs. 306 to Rs. 331 per kilometer for operating the buses.

The designated routes for these electric buses are outlined as follows:

Police Foundation/Orange Line Station to Old Metro Bus Faiz Ahmed Faiz Station (I-8)
Allama Iqbal Station to Old Metro Bus Potohar Station
PIMS to Secretariat
D-12 to G-10
F-11 to Old Metro F-8 Station
G-11 to PIMS
Aabpara to Taramri Chowk
Nilor to Khanna Pul
Pirwadhai Chowk to Faizabad
B-17 to Chungi Number 26
I-16 to Chungi Number 26