In a major step towards eco-friendly urban development, the Punjab government has approved the deployment of 1,500 electric buses to revolutionize public transportation across key cities in the province. The project, designed to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable mobility, will be implemented in phases with a strong focus on improving transport access in less-developed urban areas.
The decision was finalized during a special meeting on transport initiatives, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The initial phase will cover six districts—Sargodha, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Gujrat, Rahim Yar Khan, and Dera Ghazi Khan.
As part of the first rollout, 380 electric buses will be procured and introduced, beginning with Lahore and Gujranwala. A high-tech transport command and control center will be established in Lahore, alongside a network of electric charging stations to support the new fleet.
This initiative comes at a crucial time as Pakistan grapples with the growing impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, air pollution, and urban smog. Cities like Lahore consistently rank among the most polluted in the world, largely due to vehicle emissions and industrial activity. Transitioning to electric public transport is expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in densely populated urban areas.
Maryam Nawaz emphasized that modern, clean public transport is not a luxury but a necessity for all citizens. “The right to safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible mobility should extend beyond Lahore and reach every corner of Punjab,” she stated. She also expressed her vision of equipping every major city with a world-class transport system that serves both people and the planet.
With this bold step, Punjab positions itself as a frontrunner in climate-conscious governance and urban innovation in Pakistan.
