Punjab Chief Minister Inaugurates New Transport Facilities, Focuses on Green Initiatives
LAHORE, Pakistan – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the Punjab Transport Company (PTC) headquarters and the Electric Vehicle (EV) Command and Control Centre on Monday, . The launch underscores the provincial government’s commitment to modernizing public transport and prioritizing environmentally sustainable solutions, according to statements released by the Chief Minister’s office.
During a visit to the new facilities, Chief Minister Sharif observed an automatic washing plant for electric buses, which utilizes a water recycling system. She also inspected a Yutong 160-kilowatt charging station capable of fully charging an electric bus in 105 minutes. The Chief Minister sought a timeline for the addition of 1,500 new buses to the provincial fleet.
A key focus of the initiative is the transition to renewable energy sources. Chief Minister Sharif directed officials to expedite the shift of the electric bus charging system to solar energy and to identify new routes for the deployment of green electric buses. She also called for improved arrangements to accommodate rising passenger numbers, with a directive to add buses to locations experiencing long commuter wait times.
The government intends to claim carbon credits generated by the Green Bus Project. Chief Minister Sharif commended the dedication of electric bus crews in assisting passengers with special needs, noting that the launch of green buses has already broken ridership records across Punjab.
Plans are also underway to launch metro bus services in Faisalabad and Gujranwala. “Providing clean, safe and modern public transport to the people of Punjab is our foremost priority,” Chief Minister Sharif stated.
According to Punjab Transport Company CEO Kausar Khan, over 15.5 million passengers have utilized the electric bus service across Punjab to date. This includes more than 3.8 million women, over 1.5 million students benefiting from free travel, 750,000 senior citizens and 300,000 individuals with disabilities.
The Punjab Transport Company has also launched an initiative to support women entrepreneurs, establishing tuck shops at e-bus stations for widows and divorced women. Currently, 10 women have been provided with these business opportunities at new bus stops in Lahore.
Chief Minister Sharif emphasized that smart travel systems are offering faster and easier commuting options, while electric buses are contributing to the reduction of pollution and smog. Electric buses, she added, are providing a comfortable travel experience for the public, with the Punjab government prioritizing the convenience and safety of all citizens, particularly women and children.
