Punjab Govt Introduces First-Ever Electric Bus Service in Lahore
The Punjab government is making strides to introduce sustainable development in transport services in the provincial capital. In a recent move, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has launched pilot project of electric bus service in Lahore.
As per expansion plan, 500 more e-buses would be added in this 27-buses fleet in August this year. Moreover, each bus has a battery capacity of 350 kWh, with a 200 kWh charger requiring three hours for a full charge, while a single DC fast charger in Green Town can charge a bus in just half an hour. With a range of 300 kilometers, these buses can efficiently cover their 250-kilometer routes.
CM Punjab announced Orange Line Train, e-buses and Speedo will be a free travel service for senior citizens, differently-abled persons and students. Whereas Rs. 20 will be the subsidized charges for other passengers.
“I am most happy that the electric bus fare has been fixed at Rs20. The fare of general public transport is also equivalent to putting a burden on the people. Some 17,000 passengers will benefit from the electric bus service pilot project daily. Free Wi-Fi, mobile charging and CCTV cameras have been installed in the e-buses to prevent incidents of harassment”, she added.
The Route
The e-bus service covers a comprehensive route, passing through key landmarks and bustling areas of the city. It begins at Haji Camp and continues through Police Line, Shimla Pahari, Roznama Jang, Muslim League House, and Club Chowk. Along the way, it also stops at Governor House, Bagh-e-Jinnah, and the Zoo.
Further along, the route extends to Charing Cross, Gangaram Hospital, Waris Road, Abid Market, and Mozang. Passengers can also board at Shama, Ichhra, Fazlia Colony, Rehmanpura, Ichhra Bridge, Punjab College, and New Garden Town.
Additionally, the e-bus passes through Campus Bridge, Punjab University Gate No. 4, Hailey College, and IBA Stop. Key stops such as Shah Di Khoi, Ravi Chowk, Shauk Chowk, and Akbar Chowk are also part of the route. The journey continues through Township Bazaar and Mochipura.
Moreover, the route includes Model Town Link Road, Honda Mor, Government Employees Society, and Pindi Stop. It further extends to Riphah University, Nursery Bus Stop, Hamdard Chowk, and concludes at Minhaj University.
What do you think about the recent move CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz taken to make transport service an ease for daily commuters. Tell us in the comments section.