Islamabad Metro Feeder Bus Route Diverted Over Toll Dispute with NHA

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has temporarily rerouted the Metro feeder bus route FR-10 following a dispute with the National Highway Authority (NHA) over toll restrictions at Sangjani, Interior Minister Senator Mohsin Naqvi informed the National Assembly.

The original route connected Golra Mor Metro Station to Taxila via N-5, serving several key suburbs and providing vital public transport access to residents commuting to and from Islamabad. Due to the toll payment issue, buses are now operating through Margalla Road, bypassing Sangjani.

CDA’s Subsidy and Public Welfare Commitment

Senator Naqvi emphasized that the CDA is currently subsidizing up to 50% of operational costs to ensure the feeder service remains functional. He noted that the initiative is designed to enhance connectivity between Islamabad’s suburban areas and the city center, highlighting the feeder system as a public welfare project aimed at facilitating accessible and affordable transport.

Despite repeated requests, the NHA has yet to respond to the CDA’s plea for toll exemption for electric buses operating on the route. The delay has forced commuters to adjust to the alternate path, which has limited accessibility to several outer sectors.

Impact on Commuters

The original FR-10 route served numerous residential and commercial hubs, including 26 Number, Tarnol, G-15, G-16, Saifia Road, Sarai Kharbooza, E-16, E-17, and Sangjani before reaching Taxila. With the diversion, residents in these localities are temporarily losing direct access to the feeder bus system, affecting daily commutes for students, office-goers, and other regular passengers.

Minister Naqvi assured the National Assembly that the CDA intends to restore the original route once the toll exemption issue is resolved. Full reinstatement would reconnect several suburban localities to Islamabad’s public transport network, ensuring smoother and more efficient commuting for thousands of residents.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has temporarily rerouted the Metro feeder bus route FR-10 following a dispute with the National Highway Authority (NHA) over toll restrictions at Sangjani, Interior Minister Senator Mohsin Naqvi informed the National Assembly.

The original route connected Golra Mor Metro Station to Taxila via N-5, serving several key suburbs and providing vital public transport access to residents commuting to and from Islamabad. Due to the toll payment issue, buses are now operating through Margalla Road, bypassing Sangjani.

CDA’s Subsidy and Public Welfare Commitment

Senator Naqvi emphasized that the CDA is currently subsidizing up to 50% of operational costs to ensure the feeder service remains functional. He noted that the initiative is designed to enhance connectivity between Islamabad’s suburban areas and the city center, highlighting the feeder system as a public welfare project aimed at facilitating accessible and affordable transport.

Despite repeated requests, the NHA has yet to respond to the CDA’s plea for toll exemption for electric buses operating on the route. The delay has forced commuters to adjust to the alternate path, which has limited accessibility to several outer sectors.

Impact on Commuters

The original FR-10 route served numerous residential and commercial hubs, including 26 Number, Tarnol, G-15, G-16, Saifia Road, Sarai Kharbooza, E-16, E-17, and Sangjani before reaching Taxila. With the diversion, residents in these localities are temporarily losing direct access to the feeder bus system, affecting daily commutes for students, office-goers, and other regular passengers.

Minister Naqvi assured the National Assembly that the CDA intends to restore the original route once the toll exemption issue is resolved. Full reinstatement would reconnect several suburban localities to Islamabad’s public transport network, ensuring smoother and more efficient commuting for thousands of residents.

Next Steps and Toll Negotiations

The minister revealed that the toll exemption matter has been formally referred to the NHA for consideration. The CDA is awaiting an official response before resuming operations on the original FR-10 route. Once approved, the reinstated route will form a key segment of Islamabad’s planned future transport corridor, integrating suburban feeder services with the city’s Metro network.

Senator Naqvi highlighted the importance of resolving the issue promptly to maintain the feeder bus system’s reliability and public trust. The CDA is committed to negotiating with NHA to ensure that electric feeder buses can operate toll-free, in line with broader government policies promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly transport solutions.

The temporary diversion of the FR-10 route underscores the challenges of managing public transport infrastructure in coordination with multiple authorities. While commuters currently face minor inconveniences, the CDA’s proactive subsidies and commitment to resolving the toll dispute demonstrate a focus on accessibility, efficiency, and public welfare.

Once the NHA grants toll exemptions, the FR-10 route will be fully reinstated, restoring direct connectivity between Islamabad’s suburbs and the city center, and reinforcing the feeder bus system as a cornerstone of Islamabad’s sustainable urban transport network.

The minister revealed that the toll exemption matter has been formally referred to the NHA for consideration. The CDA is awaiting an official response before resuming operations on the original FR-10 route. Once approved, the reinstated route will form a key segment of Islamabad’s planned future transport corridor, integrating suburban feeder services with the city’s Metro network.

Senator Naqvi highlighted the importance of resolving the issue promptly to maintain the feeder bus system’s reliability and public trust. The CDA is committed to negotiating with NHA to ensure that electric feeder buses can operate toll-free, in line with broader government policies promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly transport solutions.

The temporary diversion of the FR-10 route underscores the challenges of managing public transport infrastructure in coordination with multiple authorities. While commuters currently face minor inconveniences, the CDA’s proactive subsidies and commitment to resolving the toll dispute demonstrate a focus on accessibility, efficiency, and public welfare.

Once the NHA grants toll exemptions, the FR-10 route will be fully reinstated, restoring direct connectivity between Islamabad’s suburbs and the city center, and reinforcing the feeder bus system as a cornerstone of Islamabad’s sustainable urban transport network.

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