Green initiative: 1,000 electric buses to hit Punjab roads in first phase

LAHORE: A delegation led by Liu Junhua, Chairman of Chinese vehicle company Chongqing CRRC Hengtong, met with Punjab Chief Minister of Maryam Nawaz to discuss the Green Transport System Project in the provimnce.

The project involves the introduction of 5,000 electric buses in Punjab, with the first phase starting with 1,000 buses. Over the next five years, an “end-to-end” green transport system will be launched in major cities.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz assured full cooperation for the manufacturing of vehicles and agreed to provide all necessary facilities for the production of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers in Punjab.

The Chinese delegation introduced a unified charging system for e-transport. The model of mini shopping mall et bus stops was also discussed during the discussion.

Also read: When will electric buses in Lahore become operational?

Maryam Nawaz requested a comprehensive transport system plan from the Chinese consortium, expressing a desire for a complete green transport system for the people.

She highlighted the issues of traffic jams and increasing environmental pollution, noting the growing public interest in electric vehicles. Chinese transport companies will be welcomed in Lahore and given full support, she said adding that plans include running bullet trains, metrobuses, and electrified buses in every district.

Maryam Nawaz mentioned that Shehbaz Sharif had previously launched the Orange Line and metro bus systems, and there is a need for an improved transport system in many areas of Lahore.

She expressed a desire to completely redesign the transport system of Punjab, including transport infrastructure, bus stops, charging systems, and other facilities. She emphasized the importance of friendship with a country like China.

Liu Junhua remarked that Lahore is a beautiful city with lovely weather. Jiang Xingyu, Overseas Project Manager of Hengtong Vehicle Company, expressed his happiness in seeing Maryam Nawaz engaged in public service.

The delegation included Huang Juman, Jian Xingyu, Zhou Zheng, Rao Minghua, Mrs. Zhang, Cheng Qiang, Shehryar Arshad Chishti, Faisal Ahmed Siddiqui, Khurram Mirza, Shehryar Hassan, Faisal Shuja, and Anwar Saeed.

Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, MPA Sania Ashiq, Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Secretary Finance Mujahid Sher Dil, Principal Secretary Sajid Zafar Daal, Secretary Implementation Danish Afzal, and others were also present on the occasion.