KP to add 50 buses to Peshawar BRT for five new routes
Five new routes proposed
The additional buses will operate on five proposed BRT extension routes.
The first route will connect Mall of Hayatabad with Jamrud, providing a direct public transport link between the two areas.
Another route will run from Pashtakhara to Bara Bazaar via Bara Road.
The third proposed route will connect Gulbahar with Dabgari Garden, while another will run between Shah Alam Bridge and Naguman.
The fifth route will involve an extension of the existing Kohat Adda route.
These routes are expected to bring BRT services closer to communities that are currently outside the main network.
New buses will be battery-electric
The 50 additional buses will be 12 metres long and powered by batteries.
The use of electric buses is expected to support cleaner public transport while reducing reliance on conventional fuel. Each bus will be designed to operate on the proposed BRT extension routes.
The government will also purchase the equipment needed to operate and manage the expanded fleet. This includes 15 charging units, Intelligent Transport System (ITS) equipment, and other essential accessories.
More charging infrastructure planned
The purchase of 15 chargers is an important part of the expansion plan.
Electric buses require dedicated charging facilities to maintain regular services, particularly on routes with frequent trips. The charging equipment will support the operation of the new battery-electric buses once they are deployed.
The government is also procuring ITS equipment to help manage the expanded BRT service. Such systems can support areas such as fleet monitoring, route management, and passenger information.
52 buses already purchased
The planned purchase of 50 additional buses comes after the government had already acquired 52 buses for the BRT expansion.
Also Read: KP approves Rs3.23 billion development package for Jamrud
Of these, 25 buses have already arrived in Peshawar. The remaining 27 buses are expected to arrive soon, according to officials.
The arrival of these buses will further increase the capacity of the existing BRT system before the newly approved fleet is added. The expansion is therefore being carried out in phases rather than through a single purchase.
Peshawar BRT fleet to reach 346 buses
The purchase of the additional 50 buses will take the total Peshawar BRT fleet to 346 buses. This will give the system greater capacity to serve passengers across its existing and proposed routes.
The larger fleet could also help the government introduce services to areas that have previously had limited access to the BRT network. The expansion is expected to increase the number of passengers who can use the system for daily travel.
What the expansion could mean for commuters
The proposed routes cover several important parts of Peshawar and nearby areas.
For commuters, the expansion could provide another option for travelling between residential areas, commercial centres and major roads. Passengers living near the proposed routes may benefit from easier access to organised public transport.
The expansion could also reduce pressure on other modes of public transport by giving more people access to BRT services. However, the actual benefits will depend on when the new routes become operational and how frequently buses are available.
Focus on electric public transport
The decision to add battery-electric buses also reflects a wider shift towards cleaner public transport. Electric buses do not use conventional fuel while operating, which can help reduce emissions from public transport.
The use of such buses also requires adequate charging infrastructure and proper maintenance arrangements. With 15 chargers included in the latest procurement plan, the government is also preparing the supporting infrastructure required for the expanded fleet.
