Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a transformative project to introduce 1,500 electric buses across various cities in the province, marking a significant step toward sustainable and modern public transport. The initiative, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and providing cleaner, more efficient transportation options, will be rolled out in phases, with a focus on both urban and remote areas.
The first phase of this ambitious project will see the deployment of 380 electric buses in Lahore and Gujranwala, with services expected to begin by June. These cities will serve as the initial hubs for the electric bus services, which are set to revolutionize public transport in the region.
In addition to Lahore and Gujranwala, the project will expand to six key districts: Sargodha, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Gujrat, Rahim Yar Khan, and Dera Ghazi Khan. These areas will benefit from the introduction of electric buses, ensuring that even remote regions have access to modern and eco-friendly transport options.
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Further enhancing the project, the government plans to introduce ‘orange’ and ‘red’ bus services in Faisalabad. The red buses will operate between Samundri Road and Sargodha Road, while the orange buses will run along the route from Jaranwala to Jhang Road. Plans are also underway for the construction of electric bus tracks in both Faisalabad and Gujranwala, as well as the establishment of charging stations to support the new fleet.
CM Maryam Nawaz has directed that the planning for the Yellow Line electric bus track in Lahore be expedited, with a 15-day deadline set for its completion. Additionally, she has approved the establishment of a modern transport command and control tower in Lahore, which will oversee and manage the new electric bus network.
During a meeting on the project, CM Maryam Nawaz stressed the importance of providing modern and efficient transport services to all citizens, not just those in Lahore. She emphasized that the electric buses would eventually be introduced in other cities as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and promote sustainable development across the province.
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This project is a crucial step in Punjab’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, providing cleaner air for residents, and ensuring accessible, reliable transportation for all. The phased launch will ensure that electric buses are effectively integrated into the existing transport network, benefiting residents in both urban and rural areas of Punjab.