Punjab launches Pakistan’s first fully e-bus service

Electric bus service will operate on Lahore's longest 21-km route, running from Railway Station to Green Town
An undated image of electric buses. — APP
An undated image of electric buses. — APP

To facilitate tourists and promote eco-friendly transport, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has officially launched Pakistan’s first fully electric bus (e-bus) service in Lahore.

The inaugural ceremony took place on Friday, where CM Punjab personally inspected the bus’s features after taking a ride.

E-bus service in Lahore

Sharing details of this e-bus pilot project, Provincial Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan revealed that the e-bus comes equipped with modern facilities, including a GPS location recorder, Wi-Fi, USB ports, and more. It has a seating capacity of 30 passengers and can accommodate up to 80 people in total. The design includes ramps and designated seats for differently abled passengers, as well as an anti-slip floor sheet for enhanced safety.

Key features and benefits

  • Route display system: Installed for passenger convenience
  • Dedicated section for women: Ensuring safety and comfort
  • CCTV cameras: Installed to prevent harassment
  • Real-time tracking: Passengers can track buses via a mobile app
  • Digital payments: Fares can be paid using digital wallets and transport cards

The service will operate along Lahore’s longest 21-km route, running from the Railway Station to Green Town via Queens Road, Mozang, Ferozepur Road, Campus Bridge, and Ichhra Canal. It is expected to serve 17,000 passengers daily.

The official launch of the e-bus service is scheduled for mid-February, with 27 electric buses and 42 state-of-the-art bus shelters along the route.

Additionally, nine dedicated charging stations have been set up at the Green Town Hamdard Chowk depot to support the fleet. Each bus will be capable of covering up to 250 kilometres on a full charge.