ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially launched a fleet of eco-friendly electric vehicles for the Islamabad Capital Territory Traffic Police on Monday, as part of the federal government’s initiative to adopt modern and energy-efficient traffic management solutions.
In the initial rollout, 15 state-of-the-art electric vehicles were introduced to the traffic police force, showcasing the Prime Minister’s commitment to energy conservation and sustainable practices. Officials noted that this move is part of a long-term strategy, with work on electric vehicle and fuel efficiency policies already underway prior to recent regional crises.
During the ceremony, officials explained that the procurement process for these vehicles started several months ago. Each vehicle will be operated by a dedicated team, including a captain, a male responder, an additional responder, and a driver, all dressed in specialized uniforms.
The electric vehicles are set to be deployed on key highways across Islamabad to enhance traffic management and emergency response times. Each vehicle has a range of 350 to 400 kilometers when fully charged, with fast charging capabilities allowing recharging in 60 to 90 minutes, while standard charging takes approximately six to eight hours.
Officials also highlighted significant cost savings, estimating that the use of electric vehicles could reduce monthly expenses by around Rs. 0.55 million compared to traditional petrol-powered vehicles. The investment is expected to be recouped within just over a year 13 to 14 months.
Looking ahead, the government plans to expand the fleet further, with an additional 15 electric vehicles slated for deployment soon. This move is viewed as a vital step toward modernizing traffic policing in Islamabad and fostering environmentally sustainable practices.
