Electric Smart Buses to Transform Pakistan’s Urban Transit
Islamabad is the next in line after Lahore to welcome Chinese-made electric trams, manufactured by CRRC — a longstanding supplier of passenger coaches and locomotives to Pakistan. This latest development marks a significant upgrade to the capital’s public transport infrastructure, aiming to provide commuters with smarter, cleaner, and more inclusive travel options.
A recent high-level meeting at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) headquarters, chaired by CDA Chairman and Islamabad Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa, officially approved the tram initiative. The meeting confirmed that electric tram buses would be launched in Islamabad as part of a broader push to adopt advanced, eco-friendly mobility solutions.
As part of the rollout, a comprehensive feasibility study is being conducted to assess financial, operational, and business frameworks. The new trams will be equipped with multiple compartments to enhance passenger capacity and will include features designed to support differently-abled individuals and women, ensuring inclusive transport for all.
The current electric bus service, already operational in Islamabad, has seen impressive traction with over 90,000 daily riders. Its success—driven by low emissions, affordability, and reliable service—has set the stage for expanding into tram-based transit.
Chairman Randhawa has called for an accelerated finalization of the feasibility report with a particular focus on developing a financially self-sustaining model. Public-private partnership opportunities are also being explored to support long-term operational success.
These trams, dubbed “Smart Buses,” use Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) technology. Rather than traditional rails, they follow virtual dotted lines on the road using built-in sensors that adapt to real-time surroundings. This innovative 30-metre electric vehicle system offers rail-like precision on regular roadways—making it the first of its kind in the world.
If proven successful in Islamabad, this cutting-edge tram network will extend to other cities such as Faisalabad and Gujranwala within the current fiscal year. According to Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan, this initiative will place Pakistan among the pioneers of modern electric tram technology, even ahead of Budapest, where the same ART tech is yet to be implemented.