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By Tanveer Ahmed :
Authorities in the federal capital have set a three-month deadline for completing feasibility studies on a proposed electric tram system, signalling renewed determination to launch the long-delayed urban transit project.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued the directive during Friday’s inauguration of a new electric bus depot and charging station at Zero Point, where officials briefed him on plans for the tram network. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has engaged the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) to conduct the comprehensive study .
Proposed Corridors
According to officials, the tram system is planned to operate on two major routes connecting key points in the capital region. The first corridor would run from Islamabad International Airport to Lake View Park, while the second would link Rawat with Lake View Park.
The Lake View Park terminus holds particular significance, as it is also envisioned as the starting point for the proposed Murree Glass Train project, creating potential for an integrated tourism and transport corridor linking the capital with the popular hill station.
Renewed Momentum
The tram project has remained under discussion within the CDA for several years without practical progress. However, sources indicate the authority now appears serious about moving forward, particularly given its potential connection to the Murree initiative.
During a January meeting chaired by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, officials decided to prioritise the electric tram and electric bus projects as part of efforts to promote environmentally friendly public transport in the federal capital. The meeting emphasised implementing the system in accordance with a modern Intelligent Transport System (ITS), with fully digital and cashless operations.
Chairman Randhawa had previously directed that the feasibility study consider connecting the tram system with important locations across Islamabad, particularly the international airport, while taking into account the latest ridership data and future demand projections.
Infrastructure and Environmental Considerations
Under the proposed plan, the tram project would include modern facilities such as depots, parking areas, charging infrastructure, and maintenance services. Officials have been instructed to ensure acquisition of carbon credits for the eco-friendly transport initiative during the planning phase.
The project is designed to be fully modern, comfortable, and environmentally friendly, with integration into the city’s broader public transit network. Chairman Randhawa described it as a historic initiative that would not only provide modern facilities to citizens but also help reduce environmental pollution in the capital.
Expanding Electric Mobility
The tram announcement comes alongside expansion of Islamabad’s electric bus network. All 160 electric buses are currently operational, with daily ridership reaching up to 125,000 passengers. The newly inaugurated depot at Zero Point has capacity for 64 chargers, with 50 already installed and 14 more to be added soon. Each charger can charge two buses within two hours.
Minister Naqvi travelled in an electric bus alongside CDA officials and directed the authority to increase daily ridership to 250,000 passengers while giving special attention to students and the elderly. The minister noted that the electric bus service, together with the metro system, is playing an important role in addressing traffic challenges and facilitating commuters.
Reviving Rail Link
Separately, the government is exploring revival of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad railway service to provide an additional modern transport option for residents of the twin cities. Following a feasibility review, the proposed service is expected to operate between Margalla Railway Station and Saddar Rawalpindi.
Officials acknowledge that careful planning will be essential for the project’s success, recalling that a similar service launched in the 1990s from Margalla Station to Saddar Rawalpindi was closed within three months after being declared a failure due to low ridership.
Integrated Vision
The transport initiatives reflect a broader vision for integrated mobility in the capital region. The Murree Glass Train project, which would connect with the proposed tram system at Lake View Park, received significant attention during a recent meeting chaired by PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
During that meeting, officials agreed in principle to extend the glass train project from Islamabad Airport to Muzaffarabad, with bidding for the monorail component scheduled to open in March. The 40-kilometre route would run from Lake View Park to the Murree Bus Stand, aiming to ease travel and enhance the visitor experience.
Minister Naqvi has directed the CDA to complete the tram feasibility study within the three-month timeframe, after which authorities will determine the path forward for implementation.
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