Electric Bus Service
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Saturday gave clear instructions to prioritize the distribution of 240 electric buses to 24 districts in southern Punjab, signaling a shift towards more inclusive development across the province.
During a special meeting focused on reviewing the progress of the electric bus project and other major transportation initiatives, she emphasized the need to move away from the traditional approach of concentrating new projects solely in big cities.
Maryam Nawaz stressed that rural areas and smaller districts must be brought on par with major urban centers, asserting, “Villages must be brought at par with major urban centres. All districts are equal for me.” She highlighted that development efforts must be inclusive and aligned with the actual needs of the public, ensuring that services and infrastructure reach all segments of the population.
According to the briefing provided during the meeting, the initial phase of the electric bus rollout will see 240 buses distributed across 24 districts in southern Punjab. This step marks the beginning of a broader plan to enhance public transportation in the province.
In addition to this, a further 500 electric buses are scheduled for introduction in the cities of Lahore, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Multan, and Rawalpindi between August and October. Another 600 buses are expected to be deployed across Punjab by the end of the year.
Of particular note, 400 of these buses will be part of the Punjab Clean Air Programme and will serve the districts of Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Kasur, and Lahore. The Chief Minister directed officials to carefully finalize routes based on commuting patterns and public convenience to ensure maximum utility. She also urged the swift implementation of all public utility projects without unnecessary delays.
The meeting also reviewed progress on the Gujranwala Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, which is planned to cover approximately 22 kilometers, running from Rahwali to Aimanabad. This system will include 28 stations and 80 feeder buses designed to connect outlying areas to the main transit corridor.
Officials discussed the possibility of extending the BRT route further to Gakhar Mandi. The buses on this route are expected to operate every eight minutes, supported by four electric bus depots.
Further updates were given on Faisalabad’s Orange Line and Red Line transport systems. The Red Line, covering 23.4 kilometers with 24 stations, is projected to serve over 185,000 passengers daily.
Meanwhile, the Orange Line will span 29 kilometers with 21 stations and is expected to accommodate approximately 111,000 daily commuters. Acting on the Chief Minister’s instructions, the Red Line’s route has been extended to connect Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development and Management Company (FIEDMC) to Salami Chowk, further enhancing connectivity in the city.
Overall, the meeting highlighted a comprehensive approach to expanding and modernizing Punjab’s public transportation network, with a strong focus on sustainability, accessibility, and equitable development.
