PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is planning to introduce 10,000 electric rickshaws (e-rickshaws) in Peshawar as part of its initiative to provide modern, affordable, and environmentally friendly public transport. A high-level meeting was held in Peshawar under the chairmanship of the Secretary of the Transport and Mass Transit Department. The meeting was attended by the Director General of Science and Information Technology, Managing Director of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Urban Mobility Authority, CEO of TransPeshawar, and senior officials from the Bank of Khyber. Officials discussed the phased introduction of e-rickshaws, financial facilitation, technical and operational frameworks, employment generation, and the environmental impact of the project. Addressing the meeting, the Secretary Transport said the chief minister’s vision is to provide citizens with low-cost, eco-friendly travel options that improve urban mobility while reducing air pollution. He added that the initiative could be transformative for Peshawar’s transport system, aligning with provincial goals for sustainable development and green energy. “Millions of commuters rely on fuel-based vehicles daily, contributing to air pollution, noise, and rising fuel costs,” he said. “E-rickshaws will reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower travel expenses for low- and middle-income groups.” The DG Science and Information Technology said advanced battery technology, smart monitoring systems, and a digital registration mechanism will be implemented for e-rickshaws to ensure transparency, efficiency, and real-time monitoring of vehicle performance, charging status, and route operations. The KP Urban Mobility Authority’s Managing Director noted that e-rickshaws would be integrated into the city’s broader transport network, including the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), to address last-mile connectivity and provide smoother door-to-door travel for residents. CEO TransPeshawar highlighted that aligning e-rickshaws with BRT routes and feeder services could help reduce traffic congestion, adding that the agency would provide technical support, route planning, and operational management for the project. Concluding the meeting, the Secretary Transport said the initiative reflects the chief minister’s people-centric and environment-friendly policies, aiming to enhance mobility, create jobs, and advance the province’s green energy goals. He directed all stakeholders to develop a clear roadmap for early implementation of the project. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026