The assembly of electric buses has started at the Punjab Assembly Plant and there is a plan to bring 5,000 electric buses on the roads in the next 5 years. This was stated today in a meeting of the Transport and Mass Transit Department chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif
As a revolutionary step towards sustainable transport, Punjab is going to witness a transformative change under the leadership of Maryam Nawaz Sharif, modernizing the province’s public transport system. The province is preparing to introduce a fleet of 5,000 electric buses in the next five years, marking a significant step towards environmentally friendly urban transport.
During a crucial meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sharif, the Department of Transport and Mass Transit presented ambitious plans to enhance the region’s green transport infrastructure. Key initiatives include the introduction of electric buses, e-taxis, e-bikes, and e-three-wheelers, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and promote cleaner travel opportunities.
A notable achievement is the establishment of an electric bus manufacturing industry in Punjab, a result of the Chief Minister’s business-friendly policies. An assembly plant is already operational, demonstrating the province’s commitment to not only operating these environmentally friendly buses but also manufacturing them locally.
In an effort to empower youth, the announcement was made to distribute 100,000 e-bikes to students within a year. Male students will be required to make an advance payment of 14,000 rupees, while the government will provide a subsidy of 70,000 rupees per bike. Female students will be further benefited, with the Chief Minister covering their advance payments and registration fees, after which they will only need to pay a nominal monthly interest-free installment.
Government employees also hope to benefit from these easy installment plans, extending the scope of this green initiative across Punjab’s diverse populations.
The first installment of electric buses will provide services to 91 tehsils in major divisions such as Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Multan, etc. Approval for PC-1 for these buses has been obtained, and plans for mass transit systems are rapidly advancing, particularly in Faisalabad and Gujranwala.
The introduction of 400 active electric buses in Punjab’s districts is imminent, with additional units ready for launch. Several districts are awaiting the arrival of these buses by July, indicating a swift transition towards green transport solutions.
Chief Minister Sharif’s strategic directives are ensuring that no location remains deprived of service, mandating the maintenance of at least 15 buses in each area. This initiative, along with safety measures for ongoing construction work on mass transit services, highlights a robust approach to sustainable urban development.
Overall, this eco-friendly transport revolution is set to redefine mobility in Punjab, positioning it as a leader in green transport innovation and serving as a model for other regions.