Punjab is set to witness a transformative shift in public transportation as the province prepares to receive its first batch of electric buses from China.
This initiative targets areas that have historically had little to no organized public transport. For the first time, residents in places like Bahawalnagar, Attock, Gujrat, and Dera Ghazi Khan will experience reliable, eco-friendly bus service. In fact, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has emphasized that rural and underdeveloped regions must receive the same transport facilities as big cities, stating, “Every district matters.”
1100 electric buses being manufactured in China. 1st fleet of 240 buses arriving on 22nd Aug IA & is being sent to smaller districts that never had public transport of any sort. Fare will be Rs 20. Buses are air-conditioned, CCTV monitored and have built-in ramps for wheelchairs. pic.twitter.com/qSLYQyzYUy
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) July 29, 2025
These modern electric buses include: air conditioning for passenger comfort, CCTV surveillance for safety, built-in wheelchair ramps to ensure accessibility, and are designed to be inclusive and future-ready.
As Punjab’s focus is affordability for low-income citizens and communities, the fare has been set at just Rs 20 per journey.
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This new modernized fleet deployment aligns with Pakistan’s agenda to reduce carbon emissions and promote clean energy transport solutions. Air pollution is to be significantly reduced with this electric bus rollout. It will also reduce dependence on fossil fuels in previously underserved areas.
South Asia’s first ART (Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit) has arrived in Lahore. It is track-less, runs on rubber tires & carries 300 passengers. It is a modern, cost-effective & environment-friendly alternative to conventional transport. Test run on canal road soon Insha’Allah! pic.twitter.com/NNMJAB9qXS
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) July 29, 2025
In 2025, the project was greenlit in early. Initially, 380 electric buses for Lahore and Gujranwala were approved, followed by expansion to 1,500 e-buses across multiple cities including Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Rahim Yar Khan.
To prioritize underdeveloped areas, in the first phase, 240 buses will be deployed across 24 districts, while in five major cities, a further 500 e-buses will be rolled out between August and October, and the remaining 600 units by December.
The initiative reaffirms the government’s pledge to building a more inclusive and sustainable Pakistan by making public services sustainable and accessible for every district, big and small, and aligns with its vision of enhancing equitable infrastructure development across Punjab.
