LAHORE (Dunya News) – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the provision of new electric buses across 10 districts of Punjab as part of efforts to promote a modern and environmentally friendly transport system.
The decision was made during a special meeting chaired by the chief minister, where key initiatives including the free transport program, electric buses, e-taxi scheme, and mass transit projects were reviewed in detail.
Officials briefed the meeting that under the free transport program, more than 125,000 passengers have benefited across 21 routes, with a total of 3,560 bus trips completed so far.
Approval was granted to introduce electric buses in the districts of Attock, Bhakkar, Hafizabad, Khanewal, Layyah, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Mandi Bahauddin, and Okara. According to the plan, 100 electric buses will arrive this month, 350 more by mid-May, and an additional 264 by the end of June. Dedicated bus depots will also be established in each division to support the new fleet.
The chief minister has also requested a comprehensive plan to operate 1,500 electric buses at the tehsil level. Progress on mass transit system projects in Gujranwala and Faisalabad was also reviewed during the meeting.
Under Punjab’s first e-taxi scheme, officials reported that 194 electric taxis will be introduced in May, followed by 208 more in June.
Maryam Nawaz further directed that construction and renovation of metro bus stations be completed as soon as possible and approved new design plans. The meeting also reviewed the establishment of modern bus stations in Lahore under the “Empower Her” project.
Additionally, a proposal for an e-bike project for government employees received in-principle approval.