LAHORE: After the Orange Line train and electric buses, Lahore is now set to introduce electric trams as part of its public transport system. The first electric tram, imported from China, has arrived in the federal capital and will soon be tested on Lahore’s Canal Road.
According to reports, the electric tram will be the latest addition to the city’s transport network after the metro bus, Orange Line, and electric buses. The new tram consists of three coaches and runs completely on electricity.
Officials say the tram can travel 25 to 27 kilometers on a single 10-minute charge and can carry up to 250 passengers at a time.
The tram is currently being assembled at the Ali Town depot. In the first phase, it will be operated as a pilot project to test its performance on Lahore’s roads.
Meanwhile, a modern Yellow Line Train project has also been approved for Canal Road. Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has set a target to complete the project by May 2026.
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The 24-kilometre-long Yellow Line has been included in the Annual Development Programme for the fiscal year 2025–26. According to the initial feasibility report, this ART (Automated Rapid Transit) train system will be completed within one year.
The transport department and other relevant departments have been directed to finish the construction work within nine months. Construction activities are scheduled to begin in August 2025.
The Yellow Line will be built following the Abu Dhabi ART model, and will run in the left lanes on both sides of Canal Road. In the first phase, it will operate from Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura. In the second phase, the line will be extended to Jallo after further expansion of Canal Road.
As part of the project, 18 smart stations will be built on the 24-kilometre track. All stations will be constructed at ground level—none will be underground. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs65 billion.
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