Under the provincial initiative of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab government has launched a new fleet of 30 electric buses in the city, introducing a subsidized public transport service with a fixed fare of Rs 20 per ride.
The service was formally inaugurated today at a ceremony held at Shafqat Shaheed Ground, presided over by Provincial Minister for Transport and Mass Transit Bilal Akbar Khan and Provincial Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat.
A large number of local political figures attended the ceremony, including Members of Provincial Assembly (MPAs) Col (R) Ghazanfar Abbas Qureshi and Abida Bashir. Former MPAs Faisal Hayat Jaboana, Sheikh Muhammad Yaqoob, Rashida Yaqoob Sheikh, and Sultan Sikandar Bharwana were also present on the occasion.
The district administration was represented by Deputy Commissioner Ali Akbar Bhindar and District Police Officer Bilal Iftikhar Kiani, while other local leaders and district officers were also present.
Following the inauguration ceremony, officials and media representatives took an inaugural ride on the designated route from Nawaz Chowk to Adhiwal Chowk on Sargodha Road. According to reports, the convoy was welcomed by large crowds of citizens, and participants chanted slogans in favor of the provincial government.
Addressing the ceremony, Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan said that the project aligns with the Chief Minister’s vision to expand the green electric bus service to every district of Punjab.
Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat stated that the initial 30 vehicles are a significant addition for the city’s residents. He also announced that more buses would soon be provided for the colleges of Jhang.