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Punjab Cabinet Approves Procurement of 1,000 Electric Buses

Carr.pk
Carr.pk
2 min read
Punjab Cabinet Approves Procurement of 1,000 Electric Buses - Carr.pk

The Punjab cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has approved the procurement of 1,000 electric buses to expand the province’s public transport network and promote environmentally sustainable mobility.

Policy Objectives

The provincial government said the initiative aims to:

  • Improve intra-city and inter-city connectivity across Punjab, including district and tehsil centers currently underserved by public transport.
  • Reduce dependency on fossil fuels and lower urban air pollution.
  • Introduce a cashless fare collection system, encouraging digital payments while discouraging cash usage with comparatively higher fares.

Officials emphasized that the program aligns with Punjab’s clean energy and climate targets, with electric buses expected to lower carbon emissions and noise pollution in densely populated areas.

Financial and Operational Details

While the cabinet approved the project, details regarding the total procurement cost, funding sources, and phased rollout plan have not been disclosed. Past electric bus acquisitions in Pakistan suggest per-unit costs of up to Rs, 88 million, highlighting significant upfront investment.

Transport authorities indicated that charging infrastructure and maintenance facilities will be developed alongside bus deployment, but no specific timelines or locations for the first buses were released. Analysts note that such infrastructure is critical to ensure reliability and long-term cost efficiency.

Expected Impact

The government anticipates that the new buses will ease commuting for daily passengers, lower transportation costs over time, and support a modern, eco-friendly transport network. Independent observers note that measurable impact will depend on proper infrastructure, maintenance, and commuter adoption of cashless systems.

Next Steps

Authorities plan to implement the cashless fare system in phases, starting later this year, and to expand bus deployment gradually as infrastructure is completed. Experts recommend tracking metrics such as ridership, fuel savings, emissions reductions, and commuter satisfaction to evaluate the program’s success.

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