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Lahore: In a significant step towards environmental sustainability and tackling the issue of smog, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a province-wide electric bus project aimed at deploying 1,500 electric buses across multiple cities in Punjab. The initiative is designed to enhance the region’s public transport system while contributing to a cleaner, greener environment.
The project’s initial phase is marked by the introduction of 380 electric buses in Lahore and Gujranwala, which follows the immediate commencement of procurement procedures for this fleet. The objective is to commence the operation of these vehicles in June of this year. This will result in a reduction in air pollutants and an improvement in atmospheric quality, as electric buses will replace outdated transport vehicles in these cities.
The project will commence with the coverage of key cities in Punjab province, beginning with Sargodha, Sheikhupura, and Sialkot. Subsequently, Gujrat, Rahim Yar Khan, and Dera Ghazi Khan will be included in successive phases following Lahore and Gujranwala.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized the necessity of modern public transportation to service all citizens, not just those residing in Lahore, at a high-level provincial transport department meeting. “Modern public transport is a right of every citizen, and I want world-class bus systems in every major city of Punjab,” she stated, underlining her commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents of the province.
In addition to the deployment of electric buses, a new transport command and control center will be established in Lahore. The project will also include the development of charging stations to support the electric fleet. Maryam Nawaz directed officials to expedite the planning for the Yellow Line project in Lahore, with progress expected within the next 15 days. Route plans for Faisalabad and Gujranwala are also to be presented promptly.
