Punjab CM launches electric bus service in Lahore
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated Lahore’s first electric bus service, a pioneering effort to transform the public transport system in the provincial capital. The project is one of many planned by the Punjab government to improve urban transportation and tackle environmental issues. First, 27 advanced electric buses will run on key routes, with an expansion plan for 500 buses by August 2025. The project aligns with Pakistan sustainable development and lowering carbon emissions.
Key Features of the Electric Buses
The electric buses are equipped with new features to improve passenger comfort and security. These are:
- Free Wi-Fi: Enabling passengers to remain connected throughout their journey.
- Mobile charging ports: Allowing passenger to charge their phones while on the move.
- CCTV cameras: Providing real-time surveillance for enhanced security.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Ensuring the service is accessible to differently-abled passengers.
- Air-conditioning: Ensuring a comfortable ride, particularly during Lahore’s harsh weather conditions.
These facilities are provided to deliver a safe, and comfortable commuting experience to all travelers.
نئی الیکٹرک بسیں جدید سہولیات کے ساتھ مسافروں کے آرام اور سیکیورٹی کو بہتر بناتی ہیں۔ ان میں مفت وائی فائی، موبائل چارجنگ پورٹس، سی سی ٹی وی کیمرے، معذور افراد کے لیے ریمپ اور ایئر کنڈیشنگ شامل ہیں۔ خاص طور پر لاہور کی سخت موسم میں آرام دہ سفر فراہم کرنے کے لیے یہ بسیں ایک مثالی ذریعہ ہیں۔ یہ جدید سہولیات پبلک ٹرانسپورٹ کو محفوظ، آسان اور آرام دہ بنانے میں مدد دیتی ہیں۔ الیکٹرک بسیں ماحولیاتی تحفظ کے ساتھ جدید سفری سہولیات فراہم کر کے شہری نقل و حمل میں انقلابی تبدیلی لا رہی ہیں۔
Affordable Fare Structure
The fare system has been structured to make the service affordable for a large number of commuters. Frequent commuters will pay a reasonable fare of Rs. 20 per journey, making it one of the lowest-cost public transport services in the city.
Additionally:
- Senior citizens 60 years and older can travel for free.
- Students with valid ID cards can also travel for free.
- Differently-abled students are given free access to encourage inclusivity.
This policy of fares demonstrates the government’s determination to ensure that public transport is accessible and fair.
Environmental Benefits
The electric bus service is an important move in fighting Lahore’s increasing air pollution levels, which have turned it into one of the world’s most polluted cities. The buses run solely on electricity, emitting no harmful emissions. By using this service instead of diesel-run vehicles, the project is likely to:
- Decrease greenhouse gas emissions by a large margin.
- Enhance air quality by reducing particulate matter and nitrogen oxides.
- Help lower smog, which is a common problem in Lahore winters.
This project is in line with the world’s effort to go clean energy and meet climate objectives.
Route Coverage
They will run on a well-chosen 21-kilometer route that covers major residential areas, business centers, and landmarks of Lahore. The major stops on this route include:
- Lahore Railway Station
- Shimla Pahari
- Governor House
- Punjab University (New Campus)
- Minhaj University
This route was chosen due to high commuter demand and its ability to alleviate congestion on heavy roads. Other routes are being contemplated for future expansion.
Passenger Capacity
A total of 40 passengers can be accommodated in each electric bus, with more standing space for rush hours. The service is ready to serve around 17,000 passengers a day, hugely reducing pressure on current public transport networks. Buses will come at every nine-minute interval during rush hours to a specific stop, keeping waiting time to a bare minimum for commuters.
ہر الیکٹرک بس میں 40 مسافروں کی گنجائش ہے، جبکہ رش کے اوقات میں اضافی کھڑے ہونے کی جگہ بھی دستیاب ہوگی۔ روزانہ 17,000 مسافروں کو سفری سہولت فراہم کرتے ہوئے، بسیں ہر نو منٹ بعد آئیں گی، جس سے انتظار کا وقت کم ہوگا اور عوامی ٹرانسپورٹ پر دباؤ کم پڑے گا۔
Charging Infrastructure
For seamless operation, there is a strong charging infrastructure in place:
- A DC fast charger in Green Town can charge a bus to completion in 30 minutes, and turnarounds are rapid during operating hours.
- Standard chargers have also been fitted, taking about three hours to charge fully.
- Every bus is driven by a high-capacity 350 kWh battery that can travel up to 300 kilometers on a single charge.
- This allows the buses to travel long distances without constant recharging.
Expansion Plans
The introduction of these 27 buses is only the start of a grand plan to revolutionize public transport in Punjab. By August 2025, the government plans to introduce 500 more electric buses in Lahore and other major cities like Faisalabad and Gujranwala. Besides:
- A tram service is in the works along Lahore’s congested Thokar Niaz Baig-Harbanspura corridor.
- Feasibility studies are in progress for introducing these routes.
- These plans for expansion focus on creating an integrated and environment-friendly transportation system in Punjab.
electric bus service Facilities for Commuters
To make traveling more convenient for passengers, the exclusive bus stands are being furnished with more facilities like:
- Coolers with drinking water to beat the heat during the summer months.
- Fans are fitted in waiting spaces to provide relief.
- Mini canteens serve light refreshments and snacks for the long-waiting passengers or travelers.
- These terminals intend to enhance the overall experience of commuting and to make more people switch from personal vehicles to mass transit.
Wider Impact on City Mobility
- The launch of electric buses is a revolutionary change in the urban mobility of Lahore. By offering an affordable, sustainable option compared to personal vehicles and traditional buses, this move has the potential to:
Lessen traffic congestion through more use of public transport. - Reduce fuel usage through the replacement of fossil-fuel vehicles with electric ones.
- Provide new employment opportunities in vehicle repair, charging station maintenance, and public transport administration.
In the long run, this project will not only enhance the quality of life for residents of Lahore but also act as a model for sustainable urban growth in Pakistan.
لاہور میں الیکٹرک بسوں کا آغاز شہری نقل و حمل میں انقلابی تبدیلی ہے۔ یہ نجی گاڑیوں کے بجائے عوامی ٹرانسپورٹ کے استعمال کو فروغ دے کر ٹریفک جام اور ایندھن کے استعمال میں کمی لائے گا۔ اس منصوبے سے گاڑیوں کی مرمت، چارجنگ اسٹیشن کی دیکھ بھال اور ٹرانسپورٹ انتظامیہ میں نئی ملازمتوں کے مواقع بھی پیدا ہوں گے۔ طویل مدت میں، یہ منصوبہ لاہور کے شہریوں کے معیار زندگی کو بہتر بنانے کے ساتھ ساتھ پاکستان میں پائیدار شہری ترقی کے لیے ایک ماڈل ثابت ہوگا۔ الیکٹرک بسیں ماحول دوست، سستی اور جدید سفری سہولت فراہم کرتی ہیں۔
Conclusion
The introduction of Lahore’s electric bus service is a revolutionary move toward green and contemporary urban transportation. By tackling environmental issues, easing traffic jams, and providing affordable, inclusive travel, the initiative enhances the quality of life for citizens and sets a standard for green public transport in Pakistan. With fleet expansion plans and new services in the works, Lahore is poised to lead the way in green urban mobility, with positive impacts on the environment as well as its residents.
