WEBDESK: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced that modern electric buses will be introduced in every district of the province by the end of this year.
In a social media post, she revealed that 100 brand-new electric buses departed from Shanghai port for Pakistan two days ago. The consignment is expected to arrive in Punjab in the coming weeks, strengthening the provincial government’s vision for a modern and eco-friendly public transport system.
Comfortable and Affordable Travel
According to Maryam Nawaz, the new buses will feature climate-controlled interiors and CCTV cameras to ensure passenger safety and convenience. Each bus will have seating capacity for around 60 passengers, with affordable fares fixed at just Rs 20 per ride.
She described the initiative as an important step toward providing people with safe, modern, and eco-friendly transport. “Our goal is to ensure that every citizen has access to a comfortable and reliable journey at a reasonable cost,” she said.
A Step Toward Greener Urban Mobility
The launch of electric buses is being seen as a significant move toward greener urban mobility in Punjab. With growing concerns about air pollution and fuel costs, the introduction of electric transport could reduce emissions, cut reliance on fossil fuels, and promote sustainable city life.
Maryam Nawaz emphasized that expanding eco-friendly public transport aligns with Punjab’s broader climate action goals. She added that these buses will not only ease travel but also contribute to cleaner air and healthier living conditions.
Pilot Project Already in Place
Punjab has already been experimenting with electric buses earlier this year. On February 19, a pilot project was launched in Lahore with 27 buses, including 11 that were imported from China. The service currently operates under the Punjab Transport Department, supported by a dedicated charging station set up in Green Town, Lahore.
The pilot received a positive response from commuters, many of whom appreciated the comfort, affordability, and environmentally friendly design of the new vehicles. Encouraged by this success, the government has now decided to extend the project to other major cities and eventually all districts of the province.
Expansion Plans Beyond Lahore
According to official reports, tenders have already been issued for electric bus services in Faisalabad and Bahawalpur. This indicates that the provincial administration is serious about scaling up the initiative to cover more cities within a short span of time.
By December, the government aims to establish charging and maintenance infrastructure in multiple districts, ensuring that the buses run smoothly and reliably. Transport officials are also considering digital ticketing and real-time tracking systems to improve commuter experience further.
Affordable Alternative to Private Transport
With rising fuel costs and increasing congestion in Punjab’s urban centers, electric buses could offer citizens a cost-effective alternative to private cars and motorcycles. For just Rs 20, commuters can enjoy a comfortable and safe ride, avoiding the hassle of traffic jams and high petrol expenses.
Experts suggest that if this model is successfully implemented, it could drastically reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads, lowering emissions and improving air quality across Punjab.
Broader Transport Developments
Alongside electric buses, the government is also introducing other measures to improve public transport. Recently, authorities announced plans to start a new train service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
The initiative, led by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, aims to enhance travel between the twin cities while ensuring greater security for Pakistan Railways passengers. Senior officials, including CEO of Pakistan Railways Aamir Ali Baloch and IG Railways Police Rai Tahir, also took part in discussions.
This move signals a broader effort by both federal and provincial governments to modernize Pakistan’s transportation system, combining greener technologies with improved infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
If successful, Punjab’s electric bus project could become a model for other provinces in Pakistan. With 100 buses already on their way and plans for hundreds more in the pipeline, the government is taking bold steps toward transforming how people travel.
Maryam Nawaz has positioned the program as not only a transportation upgrade but also a commitment to climate-friendly progress. For commuters, this means safer, more reliable, and more affordable journeys across Punjab’s districts.
By December, residents in cities large and small could witness the arrival of climate-controlled, eco-friendly electric buses—ushering in a new era of public transport in Pakistan.
Read more: New train service announced from Islamabad to Rawalpindi
