Punjab Government has now officially announced its plan to initiate trial runs of an electric tram, also known as an Automated Rail Rapid Transit (ART), along Canal Road, marking South Asia’s first use of this trackless transport technology.
According to a recent Facebook post by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the tram has arrived in Lahore, is track-free, runs on rubber tires, and can carry up to 300 passengers. She also said the tram is a modern, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to travel. She added that test runs will soon begin on Canal Road.
Background of Punjab Electric Tram Project
Coming to the background context, the Punjab Government imported the tram from China and is currently being assembled at the Ali Town Depot in Lahore. It has three interconnected compartments, and can travel 25 to 27 kilometres after just 10 minutes of charging.
As the CM said, the planned test route will run along Canal Road, likely between Thokar Niaz Baig and Harbanspura, with a possible scheme to run on Main Boulevard in Gulberg too. During these trials, officials will observe how the tram performs in Lahore’s traffic and determine if a dedicated lane is necessary. They plan to avoid widening the roads or cutting down trees to keep the project cost‑efficient.
Furthermore, this project is part of Punjab’s five‑year plan to modernize urban transport across the province. In a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz earlier this year, officials discussed introducing ART systems in cities like Abu Dhabi, Malaysia, and Qatar. The Punjab system will feature three-coach vehicles carrying up to 300 passengers, with Wi-Fi, CCTV, and solar-powered charging stations, reducing the need for expensive rail tracks.
If this pilot project proves to be a success, the government will likely expand it to Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and other cities in Punjab, likely within the current fiscal year
Let us know what you think about this electric tram project and whether it will be a success in Lahore.
