CM Sohail Afridi Launches Pink Bus Service for Women in Peshawar

CM Sohail Afridi Launches Pink Bus Service for Women in Peshawar

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has formally inaugurated a dedicated Pink Bus Service for women in Peshawar, introducing a new public transport facility aimed at improving safe, comfortable and accessible travel for female passengers. The inauguration took place on September 29, 2026, alongside the launch of new hybrid buses, a solar energy project and a new BRT depot in Hayatabad.

The Pink Bus Service has been introduced under the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and will initially operate with five dedicated buses. The service is designed to facilitate female students, working women and other passengers who rely on public transportation for their daily activities. The initiative is intended to provide women with a more convenient commuting option while improving access to educational institutions, workplaces and important locations across the city.

According to the details shared during the inauguration, the dedicated service will operate along a 21-kilometre route stretching from Gulbahar Chowk to Karkhano Market. The route will cover 18 stations, with buses scheduled to operate at approximately 15-minute intervals. The service will run from Monday to Friday during morning, afternoon and evening peak hours, allowing women to travel during the busiest periods of the day.

Chief Minister Sohail Afridi highlighted the importance of improving public transportation facilities for citizens, particularly women. He reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to providing modern, reliable, safe and environmentally friendly transport services. The inauguration ceremony was attended by provincial officials, including Finance Adviser Muzammil Aslam, Special Assistant for Transport and Mass Transit Sami Ullah Khan, Transport Secretary Muhammad Zubair and senior officials from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Urban Mobility Authority and TransPeshawar.

Alongside the Pink Bus Service, the chief minister also inaugurated additional hybrid buses to expand the existing Peshawar BRT fleet. With the addition of these buses, the total fleet will increase from 244 to 296 vehicles. The expansion is expected to improve service frequency on existing routes, reduce passenger waiting times and support the extension of the BRT network to additional areas of Peshawar.

The new transport initiatives are part of broader efforts to improve urban mobility in the provincial capital. Officials stated that expanding the fleet and introducing additional routes would help accommodate increasing passenger demand while making public transportation more accessible to residents. The Pink Bus Service is particularly focused on addressing the commuting requirements of women who use public transport regularly.

Another major development announced during the ceremony was the inauguration of a 1-megawatt solar power project at Chamkani Depot. The project is expected to generate approximately 1.38 to 1.44 million units of electricity annually and deliver estimated savings of around Rs74.4 million per year. It is also projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 469 tonnes annually, supporting efforts to make public transport operations more energy-efficient.

The Mall of Hayatabad BRT Depot was also inaugurated to support the expanding transport network. The facility includes bus parking, inspection and workshop facilities, a fuel station, an automatic bus washing plant and facilities for drivers and staff. Officials expect the depot to improve operational efficiency and reduce unnecessary bus travel between depots and operating routes.

The launch of the Pink Bus Service marks another development in Peshawar's public transport system, combining women-focused mobility facilities with fleet expansion and infrastructure improvements. Its operational performance, passenger response and ability to meet daily commuting needs will become clearer as the service continues. With five dedicated buses, 18 stations and scheduled peak-hour operations, the initiative is expected to provide an additional commuting option for women across the designated corridor.