Key points
- The study is expected to be carried out by a Chinese consultancy firm.
- Initial tram routes being considered include Rawat to Faisal Mosque via the Expressway and Jinnah Square to Islamabad International Airport along Srinagar Highway.
- Islamabad approves key infrastructure projects for future
ISLAMABAD: In a stride towards a greener future, Pakistan’s picturesque Capital, Islamabad is gearing up to welcome an electric tram system—marking a new chapter in eco-friendly urban mobility.
This forward-looking initiative is part of a broader vision to modernise Islamabad’s public transport network while curbing environmental pollution and embracing clean, sustainable travel.
Initiated by the city’s civic agency, Capital Development Authority (CDA), its Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa confirmed the development after a high-level meeting with officials from the National Radio Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC).
The authority has approved a feasibility study for the electric tram project, which aligns with directives issued by the Prime Minister and Interior Minister.
Electric buses are already operational. Now we are moving towards electric trams, the CDA chief told WE News English.
“A feasibility study will help us take the next step,” he added, referring to the strategic planning now in motion.
Held at the CDA headquarters, the meeting centred on operationalising Soft Wheel Electric Trams and strengthening the feeder bus network already in place.
Randhawa directed relevant departments to expedite the feasibility study and get the ball rolling or selecting the best routes and operational frameworks. Sources indicate a Chinese consultancy firm is likely to be enlisted for the study.
Among the initial tram routes being considered are Rawat to Faisal Mosque via the Expressway and Jinnah Square to Islamabad International Airport along Srinagar Highway—two of the city’s most heavily trafficked corridors.
Randhawa emphasised that the trams would be designed to be inclusive and efficient, with separate compartments to maximise passenger comfort and accommodate women as well as people with disabilities.
Although the electric bus service—run in collaboration with the NRTC—has made progress, gaps remain in real-time information systems and commuter guidance. The absence of digital screens, a mobile app, or route pamphlets continues to hinder the service’s full potential.
Still, the CDA views the tram initiative as step in the right direction, and a bold leap forward. Backed by the Prime Minister and supported by a vision for greener transit, Islamabad is positioning itself to become a model for smart, sustainable transportation in Pakistan.
Future projects
In April 2025, the federal capital saw a wave of transformative urban initiatives greenlit to enhance public convenience and modernise city infrastructure. The approvals came during a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi at the CDA headquarters, where several ambitious development projects were set into motion.
One of the headline decisions was to revamp the bustling Faizabad Interchange. Plans include expanding the interchange and adding two more lanes to ease traffic congestion and clear the bottlenecks that have long plagued commuters.
From Faizabad Interchange expansion to the Blue Area Food Street, Islamabad is undergoing a transformation aimed at modern convenience and long-term livability.
Another major move was the approval of a 2 plus 2 lane underpass at Faisal Chowk, aimed at alleviating bottlenecks in one of Islamabad’s busiest intersections. Interior Minister Naqvi emphasised designing the project with future traffic demands in mind.
The meeting also fast-tracked the long-awaited operationalisation of the Blue Area Parking Plaza. With directives to establish a robust business model, the plaza is envisioned as a dynamic hub featuring commercial shops, a rooftop restaurant, a cinema, playland, and public seating zones.
The Blue Area Food Street, already planned with designated pedestrian tracks and food stalls, is expected to become a lively social and culinary destination.
Moreover, the minister approved the construction of additional parking plazas across the city and ordered the immediate identification of suitable locations. These developments are part of a larger vision to permanently resolve traffic woes while enhancing civic amenities.
World’s best tram systems
As cities worldwide seek greener, more efficient public transport solutions, tram systems are coming back into vogue as essential components of urban mobility. A recent global ranking highlights standout performers in this space, showcasing systems that blend innovation, heritage, and accessibility.
Lyon, France, tops the list for large cities with its well-coordinated network of trams, buses, and metro lines. Since the launch of its modern tram system in 2001, the city now serves 93 million passengers annually across 61 kilometres of track, with key routes linking major institutions and residential areas.
Paris follows as runner-up, having revitalised its tramways in the late 20th century after a long absence. The city’s T3 line, split into T3a and T3b sections, hugs the Périphérique ring road and transports more than 280,000 passengers each day.
In the mid-sized city category, Dijon leads with a transformative tram system inaugurated in 2012. Its two-line network has driven a 40 per cent surge in public transport usage, boasting 24 million riders per year and pioneering France’s first open payment system using contactless bank cards.
Tours, ranked second among mid-sized cities, operates a 15-kilometre, 29-station north-south line that connects civic, commercial, and residential hubs. Relaunched in 2013, the system plays a vital role in the public transit network of the Touraine province.
In the historic category, Zürich, Switzerland, stands out with a 73 km network serving 205 million passengers annually. Blending tradition with high-frequency service and modern upgrades, Zürich’s trams remain a model of efficiency.
Vienna, Austria, takes second place in this category, with a vast 178 km network dating back to 1865. Operated by Wiener Linien, it ranks among the world’s largest, moving 363 million passengers each year—proof that legacy systems, when well-managed, can still stand the test of time in a rapidly changing world.
