Latest news with #PunjabTransportDepartment
Khaleej Times
24-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Driving Future: Punjab's Bold Leap Towards Green, Smart Transport
As the country marks Pakistan Day, Punjab is on the cusp of a transformative era in public transport. With a forward-looking five-year plan, the province is set to redefine urban mobility, embracing modern infrastructure, eco-friendly solutions, and enhanced road safety. From expanding Lahore's metro network to introducing electric buses and launching a first-of-its-kind glass train from Islamabad to Murree, the government is laying the groundwork for a sustainable, efficient, and inclusive transport system. 'Public transport is not just about mobility; it's about progress,' says Imran Sikandar Baloch, Secretary Transport Department, Punjab. 'We are committed to building a world-class, eco-friendly transit system that meets the needs of our growing urban population while aligning with global sustainability goals.' Lahore's Metro Expansion: A Game-Changer move Lahore's metro system, already serving thousands daily through the Orange and Green Lines, is set to expand with three new metro routes: Blue Line: A 27-kilometre metro from Valencia Town to Babu Sabu Chowk, designed to cater to over 250,000 daily passengers. The billions worth project is expected to be completed within three years, reducing congestion and providing a faster, more efficient travel option. Purple Line: A new corridor running along Canal Road, connecting Allama Iqbal International Airport to the city's heart, ensuring smooth connectivity for residents and visitors alike. Yellow Line: Another proposed route along Canal Road from Thokar Niaz Baig, reinforcing Lahore's public transport network. 'These three lines are a major milestone,' Baloch explains. 'It will not only cut travel time but also reduce urban congestion.' To support these projects, the Punjab Transport Department is conducting feasibility studies and design planning, ensuring state-of-the-art technology is incorporated to enhance commuter experience. Electrifying the Future: A Move Towards Clean Transport With the global push to reduce carbon emissions by 45 per cent by 2030, Punjab aims to cut its transport-related emissions by 15 per cent. A key part of this shift is the transition to electric buses and reducing reliance on fuel-powered vehicles. Lahore has launched first electric bus service with 27 buses, offering a highly affordable fare. Additionally, 500 more electric buses are set to be introduced by August, marking a significant expansion of eco-friendly transport options. Also, mass transit for Faisalabad and Gujranwala are underway to extend Metrobus services to these cities, tackling congestion and pollution. Furthermore, electric vehicles (EVs) rollout in key cities like Rahim Yar Khan, DG Khan, Jhelum, and Sargodha to receive electric buses, furthering Punjab's green transport agenda. 'The shift to EVs is a priority,' says Baloch. 'By moving towards electric public transport, we are significantly cutting emissions while providing people with affordable and efficient mobility options.' Additionally, the government's EV policy is aimed at phasing out traditional rickshaws and bikes, replacing them with clean energy vehicles. Expanding Mass Transit Across Punjab Beyond Lahore, Punjab is scaling up its public transport network in Faisalabad and Gujranwala, where mass transit feasibility studies are underway. However, due to the land acquisition process and infrastructure development, officials estimate the timeline for completion to be between 1.5 and 3 years. 'Building modern transit systems is a complex but necessary challenge,' Baloch acknowledges. 'These projects will not only make commuting easier but also stimulate economic growth and job creation in the region.' A spectacular vision: The Islamabad-Murree glass train While Punjab's urban transit plans focus on efficiency, the Glass Train project from Islamabad to Murree aims to offer a unique travel experience, reports local media. Currently in the pre-feasibility stage, this scenic railway route will provide passengers with unmatched panoramic views of the lush hills and valleys. Unlike conventional trains, the Glass Train will feature transparent, reinforced glass coaches, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Murree as they travel. The project, once greenlit, will offer a safe, scenic, and eco-friendly alternative to road travel along with reduced road congestion in peak tourist seasons and boosted local tourism and economic activity. The feasibility study is currently assessing railway tracks, station locations, geological risks, and environmental impact to ensure the train operates safely and sustainably. Given Murree's protected ecosystem, authorities are conducting environmental impact assessments to minimise disruption to the natural landscape. Once operational, the Glass Train is expected to revolutionise travel to Murree, offering a quicker, safer, and more visually stunning journey compared to conventional road transport. Beyond transport: Strengthening institutions & road safety While infrastructure development is crucial, Punjab's transport vision also focuses on improving Road Safety through better traffic management systems and enhanced enforcement of regulations, leveraging Technology to enhance real-time traffic monitoring, ensuring smoother city-wide transit operations and building institutional capacity to ensure public transport projects are efficiently managed, sustained, and continuously improved. 'Strong institutions and road safety measures are just as important as the transport networks themselves,' notes Baloch. 'We are ensuring that Punjab's transport future is built on a foundation of efficiency, sustainability, and safety.' A Bold Step Towards the Future As Pakistan moves towards a more urbanised future, Punjab's transport transformation sets the stage for a cleaner, more connected province. With ambitious metro expansions, mass transit plans, electric vehicle adoption, and the spectacular Glass Train project, the province is steering towards a future where public transport is not just a necessity, but a symbol of progress. 'These projects will define the next chapter of Punjab's development,' concludes Baloch. 'We are not just improving transportation - we are shaping the future of how people live, work, and move across the province.' With vision and commitment, Punjab's transport revolution is well underway - bringing a cleaner, smarter, and more connected tomorrow for millions.
Express Tribune
21-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Lahore to get its first underground metro train
Listen to article Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced the launch of another mega project for Lahore. The Punjab government is set to introduce the province's first-ever fully underground Blue Line Metro Train service. The 27-kilometer-long project, which will run from Valencia Town to Babu Sabo Chowk, is scheduled for completion within the next three years. The estimated cost of the project is pegged at a whopping Rs600 billion. Sources reveal that the Punjab Transport Department has already begun working on the feasibility and design aspects of the Blue Line Metro Train project. The Punjab government is consistently working to provide affordable ways to commute across the province, with a key vision for a "Green Punjab" initiative. Earlier this month, CM Maryam inaugurated Lahore's first electric bus transport system, aiming to provide a more affordable commute. Speaking at the launch, she confirmed that 27 electric buses had arrived, and set the fare at Rs20 to make public transport more accessible. Maryam further announced plans to introduce 500 more electric buses by August and expand the Metrobus service to Faisalabad and Gujranwala in the next financial year.
Express Tribune
18-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
CM to launch electric bus service today
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inspects a ramp for differently-abled passengers in an electric bus which is set to ply on the roads in Lahore. photo: express Lahore is set to embrace a greener mode of transportation as the Punjab Transport Company has soft-launched an electric bus project, with commercial operations commencing on Wednesday. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is scheduled to inaugurate the service, which aims to reduce environmental pollution and improve urban mobility. A total of 27 electric buses, imported from China, will benefit approximately 17,000 commuters daily. The Punjab Transport Department showcased a documentary on the buses, highlighting their features and modern amenities. Each bus has a capacity of 83 passengers, including 32 seats, space for 48 standing commuters and two reserved seats for individuals with disabilities. A dedicated section for women as well as a separate driver's cabin equipped with advanced controls enhance passenger comfort and safety. The electric buses are fitted with GPS, Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, onboard surveillance cameras and manually operated wheelchair ramps. Commuters can pay fares using digital wallets and smart cards, while a mobile app will allow real-time tracking of the buses. The vehicles, which can be fully charged in two and a half hours, have a range of 300 kilometres per charge. A charging station for the buses has been established in Green Town. The initiative, launched with an investment of approximately Rs2.4 billion, marks a significant step toward sustainable urban transportation. Each bus, valued at Rs88 million, has an operational lifespan of 12 years.
