Following Lahore, Islamabad is now set to introduce Chinese-made electric trams by CRRC, a major supplier of railway equipment to Pakistan, including passenger coaches and locomotives. The move marks a key upgrade in the capital’s public transport system, Gwadar Pro reported on Sunday.

The decision was finalized during a meeting earlier this week at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) headquarters. Chaired by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, the meeting decided to introduce electric tram buses in Islamabad, ensuring citizens have access to advanced transport solutions. Chairman CDA directed the completion of a feasibility study for the tram system to facilitate modern bus services on the busiest routes.

The trams will feature multiple compartments to accommodate more passengers and will be designed to be accessible for differently-abled individuals and women. During the briefing, it was informed that a feasibility report covering financial, operational and business models is being prepared. The electric bus project has already exceeded a daily ridership of 90,000 passengers, as these buses are eco-friendly, cost-effective and punctual, attracting appreciation from citizens.

Randhawa instructed officers to finalize the feasibility report, particularly focusing on financial sustainability. He emphasized developing a self-sustaining financial model and exploring public-private partnerships. Clear timelines and operational goals for the tram project were also established. The new trams introduced will run on the road instead of rails. This is the world’s first train that doesn’t need rails to travel; rather it uses virtual dotted lines on the road for transit. The technology has been termed as ART i.e.

Autonomous Rail Transit while the vehicle has been labelled as a “Smart Bus”. It’s a 30-meter long bus which is operated electrically and is fitted with sensors that follow the virtual rails on the road while adapting to the surroundings and situations in real time. According to the officials, if successful, the tram network is expected to expand to other major cities, including Faisalabad and Gujranwala, within the current fiscal year.

“This is the latest technology, recently introduced in cities like Abu Dhabi and two urban centers in China, and soon to begin operations in Budapest,” said Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan. “We are optimistic that Lahore and Gujranwala will see this service before Budapest.” With this initiative, Pakistan is on track to also become the first country in South Asia to launch a modern electric tram service.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China