In a bid move to modernize urban mobility, Islamabad is set to launch its first-ever electric tram service, marking a new chapter in the city’s public transport development.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has initiated plans to conduct a feasibility study for the project, following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, according to CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa.
The tram initiative complements the electric bus service already operating in the federal capital and forms part of broader efforts to provide sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation options.
A high-level meeting was recently held at CDA headquarters, where Chairman Randhawa and board members met with representatives of the National Radio Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) to discuss the framework and technical aspects of the proposed tram system.
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Chairman Randhawa said that upgrading Islamabad’s transport infrastructure is a top priority for the civic body. He stressed that the introduction of electric trams, along with feeder buses, would offer modern commuting alternatives while significantly reducing air pollution and fossil fuel dependence.
He also underscored the importance of designing tram compartments with multiple sections to maximize passenger capacity, and underscored the need to ensure accessibility for women and individuals with disabilities.
According to sources familiar with the matter, CDA is expected to engage a Chinese consultancy firm to carry out the feasibility study. The initial phase of the tram network is expected to cover four key routes, including one from Rawat to Faisal Mosque along the Islamabad Expressway, and another from Jinnah Square to Islamabad International Airport via the Srinagar Highway.
