By Shakeel Ahmed
Islamabad: (PR: 1st May 2025) In a significant step toward providing modern and eco-friendly transport facilities in the federal capital, an important meeting chaired by Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) Muhammad Ali Randhawa was held at the CDA Headquarters. The meeting focused on operationalizing the Soft Wheel Electric Tram and improving operations of Electric Feeder Buses.
The meeting was attended by CDA members, representatives of the National Radio Transport Corporation (NRTC), and senior officers from relevant formations.
During the meeting, Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa was briefed in details on the plan to introduce electric trams in Islamabad. He stated, that providing Islamabad with state-of-the-art transport facilities is CDA’s top priority. The electric trams and feeder buses will not only offer citizens modern commuting solutions but also reduce air pollution and fuel consumption.
Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa directed authorities to finalize the feasibility study for the tram system to ensure its implementation on the city’s busiest routes. He emphasized that the tram compartments must be designed with multiple sections to accommodate maximum passengers. Accessibility for persons with disabilities and women must also be prioritized.
Chairman CDA instructed the development of a viable financial model to ensure long-term self-reliance for the project. Chairman CDA instructed to set clear timelines to operationalize the tram system within the time frame.
Regarding the electric feeder buses, Chairman CDA stressed that routes must be selected based on passenger demand data, prioritizing high-traffic areas. He further directed that all bus terminals must be equipped with modern technology, including digital screens for real-time schedules, safety alerts, and advertisements.
Reiterating CDA’s policy to minimize reliance on subsidies, Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa stated that we aim to phase out subsidies while maintaining service quality. Alternative revenue streams, such as advertisements and smart ticketing systems, will be leveraged.
Concluding the meeting, Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that these projects are pivotal to transforming Islamabad into a modern, clean, and attractive capital. We hope that citizens will actively support CDA’s efforts to realize this vision.
