Lahore electric tram route revealed: When will new service hit the roads?

Lahore electric tram route revealed with CBD to Istanbul Chowk plan. File photo

| Published June, 17 2026 | Updated

(Web Desk): Lahore electric tram route has been revealed as Punjab authorities move ahead with procurement, promising operations next fiscal year.

Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar said the contract process for Lahore’s electric tram project has been completed. He added that the procurement phase is now underway and residents will see the tram running on city roads during the next fiscal year.

Speaking to the media, the minister said the government had earlier planned to build a complete metro-style system for the project. However, that proposal has been postponed to speed up the launch of the tram service.

Bilal Akbar assured citizens that the project will not affect Lahore’s green spaces. He said no trees will be cut down during the construction and development work.

According to the minister, the tram route will begin from the Central Business District (CBD). It will travel through Jail Road and Mall Road before ending at Istanbul Chowk.

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He recalled that trial operations of the electric tram had already been completed successfully. Following the successful test, the tram service from Thokar to Harbanspura is expected to begin in February 2026.

Bilal Akbar said each tram will have a capacity of 270 passengers. He added that the project cost has been estimated at $3 million, while officials from Punjab, NESPAK and PMA visited China to review different aspects of the initiative.

The minister also announced plans to introduce metro train projects in Faisalabad and Gujranwala. He said the Faisalabad Metro will serve around 300,000 passengers every day, while the Gujranwala Metro is expected to accommodate nearly 140,000 daily commuters.

According to official estimates, the Faisalabad Metro project will cost around $110 million. The Gujranwala Metro project has been estimated at $50 million.

The electric tram project is being seen as a major step towards modern and environmentally friendly public transport in Lahore. Officials believe it could reduce traffic congestion and provide a more comfortable travel option for thousands of daily commuters.

The government appears focused on introducing cleaner and faster transport systems across Punjab. If completed on schedule, the electric tram could change daily travel patterns in Lahore.

The promise of not cutting trees may help address environmental concerns. However, the project’s success will depend on timely execution, traffic management and affordable fares for passengers.