Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is set to introduce 10,000 electric rickshaws in Peshawar as part of a comprehensive plan to provide modern, affordable, and environmentally sustainable public transport. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on fuel-based vehicles, lower commuting costs for residents, and align with broader provincial goals for green energy and sustainable urban mobility.
A high-level meeting was convened in Peshawar, chaired by Secretary Transport and attended by key stakeholders including the Director General of Science and Information Technology, Managing Director of KP Urban Mobility Authority, CEO of TransPeshawar, and senior officials from Bank of Khyber. Officials discussed a phased rollout of the e-rickshaws, financial facilitation measures, technical and operational frameworks, and employment opportunities arising from the project. Environmental benefits and integration with existing public transport networks were also central to the discussion.
Secretary Transport emphasized the chief minister’s vision of providing citizens with low-cost and eco-friendly travel options, highlighting the transformative potential of e-rickshaws for the city’s transport system. He noted that millions of commuters currently rely on fuel-based vehicles, contributing to air pollution, noise, and rising transportation costs. E-rickshaws, he explained, would reduce fossil fuel dependence and offer an accessible commuting solution for low- and middle-income groups.
DG Science and Information Technology outlined plans to implement advanced battery technology, smart monitoring systems, and a digital registration mechanism for the e-rickshaws. These systems are expected to ensure operational efficiency, real-time monitoring of vehicle performance, and transparency in route operations and charging infrastructure. Meanwhile, KP Urban Mobility Authority’s Managing Director highlighted integration with the city’s Bus Rapid Transit network to improve last-mile connectivity and facilitate smoother door-to-door travel.
CEO TransPeshawar added that aligning e-rickshaws with BRT routes and feeder services could help alleviate traffic congestion. Technical support, route planning, and operational management will be provided to ensure seamless implementation. Officials also stressed that the initiative would create jobs, foster skills development, and contribute to Peshawar’s sustainable transport ecosystem.
Concluding the meeting, Secretary Transport directed stakeholders to develop a detailed roadmap for early implementation, reinforcing the provincial government’s commitment to people-centric, environmentally responsible policies. The e-rickshaw project reflects an ambitious step toward modernizing public transport in Peshawar while advancing KP’s green energy objectives.
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