Punjab to get hundreds of e-buses as CM Maryam orders end to rural neglect 

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a special meeting on Saturday to review the progress of major transport projects across the province, with a strong focus on expanding services to remote and underdeveloped areas. 

During the meeting, officials briefed her on the electric bus project and several mass transit systems under development. The chief minister directed that 240 electric buses be delivered in the first phase to 24 districts, giving priority to southern Punjab and far-flung regions. 

Maryam Nawaz made it clear that the habit of launching new services only in big cities must change. “We need to shift away from this mindset. Rural areas should get the same facilities as cities. Every district matters,” she said. 

As part of the wider plan, 500 electric buses will be sent to Lahore, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Multan and Rawalpindi between August and October. Another 600 buses will arrive across the province from November to December. Under the Punjab Clean Air Programme, an additional 400 buses will be provided to Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib and Kasur. 

Gujranwala BRT to connect entire city 

The meeting also reviewed the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in Gujranwala. Officials said the 22-kilometre route from Rahwali to Eminabad will include 28 stations. A proposal to extend the line further to Ghakhar Mandi is under consideration. 

To connect the BRT to more neighbourhoods, 80 feeder buses will run across Gujranwala and its outskirts. Transport will be available in both directions every eight minutes. Four electric bus depots will be set up to support the network. 

The chief minister instructed that traffic along the BRT route be managed using smart systems to avoid congestion and keep things running smoothly. 

Faisalabad’s Red and Orange Lines 

The meeting also covered progress on the Red and Orange Line transport systems in Faisalabad. The Red Line will cover 23.4 kilometres with 24 stations and is expected to serve more than 185,000 passengers. The Orange Line will stretch across 29 kilometres with 21 stations and is designed to accommodate over 111,000 commuters daily. 

Following the chief minister’s orders, the route has now been extended from FIEDMC to Salami Chowk. 

Maryam Nawaz directed the transport department to start all public-use projects without any delay. She also said routes for electric buses should be finalised by studying actual commuter needs, not assumptions. 

“We are here to serve the people. That’s the only priority,” she said. “All districts are equal to me. Everyone should get the same opportunities and services in this journey of progress.” 

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