CDA Approves Electric Tram System for Islamabad

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The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has approved plans to introduce an electric tram system in Islamabad, advancing the city’s shift toward sustainable public transport. Announced on July 24, 2025, the initiative includes a feasibility study to ensure efficient, eco-friendly trams serve high-traffic routes, enhancing accessibility and reducing emissions. This article explores the project’s scope, its potential impact, and the vision for a greener capital.

During a high-level meeting at CDA Headquarters, Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa outlined the tram project as a priority for modernizing Islamabad’s transport infrastructure. “Electric buses are already operational, and now we’re exploring electric trams,” Randhawa told reporters, as cited by The Express Tribune. The CDA, in collaboration with the National Radio Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC), is conducting a feasibility study to assess financial and operational models, with a Chinese consultancy firm likely involved, per ProPakistani. Proposed routes include Rawat to Faisal Mosque via the Expressway and Jinnah Square to Islamabad International Airport via Srinagar Highway, targeting the city’s busiest corridors.

The tram system, designed with multiple compartments, prioritizes accessibility for differently-abled individuals and women, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity, according to Associated Press of Pakistan. Randhawa also directed upgrades to 140 existing bus stops and the construction of over 200 new ones, featuring digital boards for schedules and advertisements to boost revenue. Smart ticketing and in-bus ads will further enhance financial sustainability, while electric feeder buses will complement the trams, ensuring seamless connectivity, as noted by Auto Power. Public sentiment on X, with posts like @CDAthecapital’s announcement, shows enthusiasm for the eco-friendly initiative.

This move aligns with Pakistan’s broader push for green mobility, contrasting with centralized, bureaucratic systems elsewhere. The tram project promises job creation and technology transfer, potentially setting a benchmark for urban transport nationwide. By prioritizing efficiency and sustainability, the CDA aims to transform Islamabad into a cleaner, smarter capital, provided the feasibility study translates into swift action.