On the special instructions of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, comfortable and environment-friendly electric buses have started running in Islamabad, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban transport, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Friday.

The launch, which took just three months to implement, was formally inaugurated by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

During the inauguration ceremony, Minister Naqvi inspected the electric buses and expressed his appreciation for the performance of CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa and his team.

He demonstrated the user-friendly nature of the new system by taking a token from the electronic machine and boarding one of the electric buses.

The minister travelled in the electric bus, praising its high quality and comfort. "These electric buses are a gift for the citizens of Islamabad," he said. "They will significantly improve the transport system, allowing citizens to travel with ease and comfort."

In the first phase, 33 electric buses will be operated in the city, with plans to expand to a total of 160 buses. "We have received 33 electric buses so far, and I am grateful to the Ambassador of Turkey, the Chinese Embassy, and NRTC for their support," Naqvi added. He emphasized that the initiative is expected to serve around 16,000 citizens daily.

A charging station has been set up to ensure the efficient operation of the electric buses. The buses will run from 6 am to 10 pm, providing a reliable and environmentally friendly transportation option for the city's residents.

Minister Naqvi commended the CDA team for their successful launch of the electric buses.

"The CDA team deserves kudos for their hard work and dedication. This is a significant achievement that will benefit our citizens immensely," he stated.

During the briefing, Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa provided details about the electric buses to Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The ceremony was also attended by the Ambassador of Turkey Mehmet Pekasi, Turkish authorities, Asim Ishaq of NRTC, IG Islamabad Police, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Memon, and other related officials.

"This is a collaborative effort, and I am thankful to everyone involved," Naqvi said. "We are committed to continuously improving the transport system in Islamabad to ensure that our citizens can travel comfortably and sustainably."

The introduction of electric buses is part of a broader initiative to enhance public transportation in Islamabad while reducing the city's carbon footprint. This project not only represents a significant advancement in urban mobility but also aligns with global efforts to combat climate change by promoting clean and green transportation solutions.