The arrival of the first batch of 30 electric buses from China has been delayed due to the unavailability of shipping vessels. Originally, these buses were expected to depart from China soon, but the delay in vessel availability has pushed back the delivery schedule.
Officials have informed local media outlets that they are in contact with Chinese authorities to resolve the issue. Efforts are underway to load the buses onto a vessel, with plans to do so on Thursday.
Despite the setback, officials anticipate that the first batch of 30 electric buses will reach the Karachi port within the next three weeks. From there, they will be transported to Islamabad. Two additional batches are expected to follow in the next two months.
The contract for manufacturing the electric buses was awarded to an international firm, with the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) set to operate them on 13 routes across the federal capital.
Previously, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the NRTC had signed an agreement, under which the CDA will pay the NRTC between Rs. 306 to Rs. 331 per kilometer for operating the buses.
The 13 routes are as follows:
- Police Foundation/Orange Line Station to Old Metro Bus Faiz Ahmed Faiz Station (I-8)
- Allama Iqbal Station to Old Metro Bus Potohar Station
- PIMS to Secretariat
- D-12 to G-10
- F-11 to Old Metro F-8 Station
- G-11 to PIMS
- Aabpara to Taramri Chowk
- Nilor to Khanna Pul
- Pirwadhai Chowk to Faizabad
- B-17 to Chungi Number 26
- I-16 to Chungi Number 26
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