Peshawar Takes a Big Step Toward Green Transport
The streets of Peshawar may soon look and sound very different. The Planning and Development Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has announced plans to introduce electric rickshaws in the city a major step toward reducing pollution and improving public transport. The project was discussed in a meeting led by Secretary Adeel Shah, where officials reviewed progress and planned the next steps. The goal is simple: make daily travel cheaper, cleaner, and more sustainable for the people of Peshawar.
Main Objectives of the Project
The new e-rickshaws will not only help the environment but also support local drivers who are struggling with high fuel prices.
Here’s what the project promises:
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Cleaner Air: Experts believe e-rickshaws could cut vehicle emissions by nearly 30% in the first year.
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Low Running Cost: A daily recharge costs under PKR 200, compared to PKR 700 to 900 for fuel.
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Better Earnings: Drivers may save up to PKR 20,000 a month, money that can go back into their families.
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Job Creation: The project will open new opportunities in vehicle maintenance and charging station operations.
Peaceful Commute: With quiet motors, e-rickshaws will reduce noise pollution and make city travel calmer.
Example: How It Helps Local Drivers
Take Zahir, a rickshaw driver from Gulbahar. He spends almost PKR 30,000 each month on petrol, leaving little for savings. “If these electric rickshaws really work, I’ll switch the first chance I get,” he said. “Even if I save half that money, it’s worth it.”
Government Plan for Infrastructure and Implementation
The government is already mapping out charging points and service centers. Officials say the first phase will bring around 1,000 e-rickshaws to the city.
The plan includes:
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Charging stations at main routes and bus stops.
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Training programs for mechanics and drivers.
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Easy installment options for vehicle purchase.
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Public private partnerships to keep the system running smoothly.
Conclusion: A Model for Other Cities
If Peshawar’s electric rickshaw project succeeds, it could inspire similar programs in Karachi, Lahore, and Quetta. According to the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), nearly 45% of Peshawar’s air pollution comes from transport. Switching to electric vehicles could make a visible difference in just a few years.
This initiative reflects a shift in mindset from relying on traditional fuel to embracing clean, renewable solutions for everyday life.
As one official said after the meeting, “It’s not just about changing vehicles it’s about changing the air our children will breathe.”
