Punjab’s first green electric bus fare update for February
The Punjab government launched Lahore’s first green electric bus, which is a significant change toward permanent urban dynamics in the second-largest city in Pakistan. With a subsidy fare of 20 rupees for general travelers and free travel for students, senior citizens, and separate individuals, the initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions 146 to democratize access to environmentally friendly public transport. The pilot project inaugurated by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz begins with a plan to expand up to 27 buses and 500 vehicles by August 2025, such as dedicated charging stations and modern bus stops with complementary infrastructure.
Routes Planning of New green electric buss in Punjab
Electric bus service, operating from February 19, 2025, represents the first major Forest of Punjab in the Electric Mass Transit. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz deployed the project as the foundation of his administration’s “Green Punjab” vision, emphasizing power, access, and environmental stability. The initial fleet of 27 buses imported from China operates with 98 intermediate stops on a 250 km daily route connecting Lahore railway station to Green Town.
Technical Specification
Each bus is equipped with a battery of 350 kwh, which provides a range of 300 kilometers per charge to cover the full route daily. Charging infrastructure includes 200 kwh AC chargers requiring three hours for a full charge, and Green Towns includes DC fast chargers that reduce charging time by 30 minutes. This dual-system approach ensures operational efficiency by reducing downtime during peak hours.
پنجاب میں الیکٹرک بس سروس 19 فروری 2025 سے شروع ہوئی، جو “گرین پنجاب” وژن کے تحت ماحولیاتی استحکام اور بہتر سفری سہولیات فراہم کرنے کا اہم قدم ہے۔ 27 بسوں پر مشتمل یہ سروس روزانہ 250 کلومیٹر کا فاصلہ طے کرتی ہے۔ ہر بس میں 350 kWh کی بیٹری ہے جو ایک چارج پر 300 کلومیٹر تک چل سکتی ہے۔ چارجنگ کے لیے 200 kWh کے اے سی چارجرز تین گھنٹوں میں مکمل چارج کرتے ہیں، جبکہ ڈی سی فاسٹ چارجرز چارجنگ کا وقت 30 منٹ تک کم کر دیتے ہیں، جس سے بسوں کی آپریشنل کارکردگی میں بہتری آتی ہے۔
Passenger Fare Structure and Eligibility
Rupee fare. 20 per ride, much lower than traditional rickshaws and minibus rates, reflects the government’s commitment to subsidizing public transport. For reference, autorickshaws in Lahore cost upwards of Rs. 150 for short distances, while diesel-operated buses average Rs. 50-70 for comparable routes. Students, senior citizens (aged 60+), and different passengers qualify for unlimited free rides under the “Green Electric Card” system. To register, beneficiaries must submit evidence of eligibility (eg, student ID, CNIC) at the specified centers, after which they receive RFID-competent cards for tap-end-go access.
Environment and Health Impact
Diesel buses in Lahore emit about 1.2 kg per kilometer, contributing to the air quality index of the city of 180–220. Changing 500 diesel buses with Punjab’s first green electric bus variants will reduce annual emissions by 58,000 metric tons of CO and 420-tonne particulate matter the world’s most polluted and will have a significant improvement for a city.
Facilities for the Passenger
All buses include USB charging ports, free Wi-Fi, and LCD screens that display real-time route updates. CCTV cameras monitor passengers and address safety concerns especially for women, who form 40% of riders during off-pitch hours.
Punjab’s first green electric bus Battery Management and Reliability
The 350 kwh lithium-ion battery undergoes night diagnosis at the green electric bus Town Depot, with a lifetime of 8–10 years. During excessive heat, cooling systems maintain optimal battery temperature and prevent performance falls a common issue.
350 kWh لیتھیم آئن بیٹری کی نگرانی گرین ٹاؤن ڈپو میں رات کے وقت کی جاتی ہے، جس کی عمر 8 سے 10 سال ہے۔ شدید گرمی کے دوران، کولنگ سسٹمز بیٹری کا درجہ حرارت برقرار رکھتے ہیں تاکہ کارکردگی میں کمی نہ آئے، جو عام مسئلہ ہے۔
Conclusion
The electric bus initiative of Lahore fights against the pollution and mobility crises in Pakistani cities. The rupee 20 fare indicates that similar access to clean transport is obtained through strategic subsidy and international cooperation. It is a great change in the overall progress of the city, and they aimed to expand this. The policymakers must address congestion to maximize the crowd and integrate feeder services. With plans for trams, metro extensions, and underground lines, Punjab has been designed to become a regional leader in permanent urban transit, and financial and political commitments are provided beyond electrical cycles.
