LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to launch electric buses in all districts of the province, instead of running them only in selected areas.
For many years, several districts were deprived of proper public transport, but now the government plans to introduce a modern electric bus service in every city. This step is being taken on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who wants to provide an equal and modern transport system in all parts of the province.
Task to purchase 1,100 electric buses
The Transport Department has been given the task to purchase 1,100 electric buses, instead of the earlier plan of buying only 500.
Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan said that whether it is Bahawalnagar, Attock, or Lahore, all cities are equal for the Chief Minister. The department has been given a deadline until December this year to make the electric buses operational.
This plan is part of the Punjab government’s larger green transport vision. About two months ago, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif gave in-principle approval for a province-wide electric bus project. In the first phase, 380 electric buses will be introduced in Lahore and Gujranwala, with a total of 1,500 electric buses to be launched in multiple cities across Punjab.
The procurement process for these buses has already started, with a deadline set for June. Cities such as Sargodha, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Gujrat, Rahim Yar Khan, and Dera Ghazi Khan will be included in later phases. Route plans for Faisalabad and Gujranwala are also being prepared. The CM had also asked for quick progress on the planning of Lahore’s Yellow Line project.
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In a separate development, the Punjab government has decided to repair and upgrade the old and damaged Lahore Metro Bus track and stations. The plan includes shifting the system to solar energy to reduce electricity costs and improve efficiency.
According to official documents, 25 stations will be repaired and upgraded at a cost of over Rs. 2.10 billion. Another Rs. 1.7 billion will be spent to shift all Metro stations to solar power. The track will also be fully restored at a cost of Rs. 1.5 billion. The project includes fixing pedestrian bridges, ticket booths, and polishing of platforms.
Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan said that the survey and cost estimates were prepared by NESPAK on the orders of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. He added that in the previous government, public transport projects like the Metro were ignored and left without maintenance. He also mentioned that Rs. 1.5 billion had already been spent earlier on Metro track repairs.
The minister said that in the future, all Metro buses will also be converted to electric buses as part of Punjab’s green transport initiative.
