Islamabad (GNP): Pakistan’s capital is set to get a new electric sightseeing service as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) plans to introduce double-decker buses on a dedicated tourism route, connecting more than 15 major recreational, scenic and heritage destinations across the city.
The initiative is aimed at giving residents and visitors, including families, students, senior citizens and people without private transport, an organised and convenient way to explore Islamabad’s major attractions.
CDA spokesperson and Director General Nawazish Ali Khan Asim said fares, routes and other operational details would be finalised and announced later.
The proposed circuit is expected to cover prominent destinations including Lake View Park, Shakarparian, Pakistan Monument, Faisal Mosque, Daman-i-Koh and D-Chowk, along with other recreational and heritage sites.
Sources said the CDA has also approached Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) for a feasibility study and cost estimates for procuring the double-decker buses.
Under an initial proposal, the authority plans to launch the service with four buses covering a roughly 25-kilometre city tour, starting from F-9 Park and connecting key locations including Faisal Mosque, Lok Virsa and Shakarparian.
An official said the CDA hoped to make the service operational within about three months if the procurement process proceeds as planned.
The proposed buses would have a maximum capacity of 90 passengers, including 67 seats, with low-floor boarding and dedicated wheelchair spaces to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities.
The buses are also planned to feature air-conditioning along with modern braking, stability and suspension systems, combining sightseeing with environmentally friendly transportation through zero tailpipe emissions.
According to HIT, the organisation specialises in designing, engineering, manufacturing, assembling and testing electric buses, and provides transport solutions for public transit and other sectors.
The CDA is awaiting HIT’s input before deciding on procurement, with officials saying that importing buses from China could also be considered, similar to the procurement model used for the existing electric-bus fleet.
The authority already operates an electric bus service through its contractor on more than 20 routes, with a fleet exceeding 160 buses, a service that has attracted substantial daily ridership from Islamabad residents.
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The proposed sightseeing buses would add a tourism-focused service to the city’s existing electric transport network, potentially allowing visitors to access several attractions through a single organised circuit.
However, the fare structure, operating frequency, boarding points and launch date have yet to be formally announced.
The latest proposal comes against the backdrop of a previous CDA announcement regarding a proposed tram service for Islamabad, which did not materialise, meaning the authority will now need to complete feasibility, procurement and operational planning before the new sightseeing service can begin.
Nawazish Ali Khan Asim said, “Fares, routes and other operational details would be finalised and announced later.”
