The Punjab government has authorized the deployment of electric buses across 10 additional districts as part of its initiative to modernize public transportation and curb emissions. This decision was made during a meeting led by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, where officials also evaluated the progress of mass transit projects in Gujranwala and Faisalabad.
Under this expansion plan, electric buses will be introduced in Attock, Bhakkar, Hafizabad, Khanewal, Layyah, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Mandi Bahauddin, and Okara. The provincial administration has also requested a comprehensive strategy to launch 1,500 electric buses at the tehsil level.
Deliveries of the buses are scheduled in phases, with 100 units expected to arrive this month, followed by 350 by mid-May, and an additional 264 by the end of June. Furthermore, dedicated depots for electric buses will be established in each division to support the new fleet.
Officials highlighted that the ongoing free transport program has already served approximately 125,000 passengers across 21 routes, completing over 3,500 bus trips. In a related update, a report on the province’s inaugural e-taxi scheme was presented, revealing plans to introduce 194 electric taxis in May and 208 in June.
In a significant development, the chief minister approved a fresh design for metro bus stations and instructed that all construction and renovation activities be expedited. Additionally, an e-bike project aimed at government employees received approval during the meeting.
