CDA Plans Dedicated Pink Electric Bus Service for Women in Islamabad

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is planning to launch a dedicated electric bus service for women in Islamabad, beginning with a fleet of 30 pink buses, according to a senior agency official. The civic body is drafting a proposal that must be approved by its board before procurement can begin.

Under the plan, the CDA would approach Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) to arrange the import of the buses, which are expected to come from China. The new service would run on the capital's existing electric bus routes, though the authority has said it could add routes if demand requires it.

The move follows complaints about overcrowding on the current network, where women and girls often struggle to find seats during peak commuting hours. A dedicated service is intended to give female passengers a more comfortable and reliable option for daily travel.

The CDA already operates more than 160 electric buses across over 20 routes in Islamabad. The official said the existing service has drawn an encouraging response from commuters, suggesting public appetite for further expansion of electric public transport in the capital.

Subject to the necessary approvals and procurement arrangements, the authority hopes to launch the pink bus service within three months. If delivered on schedule, the initiative would add a women-focused layer to Islamabad's growing electric mobility network.