LAHORE: The Punjab government has approved a plan to introduce 1,500 electric buses across 91 tehsils of the province, aiming to provide residents with modern, affordable and environmentally friendly transport options while improving the public transport network.
The provincial cabinet has approved the initiative, with Transport Minister Bilal Akbar assigned to oversee its implementation. The plan also includes establishing depots in different tehsils to support the parking, operation and maintenance of electric buses.
When Will Electric Bus Services Begin?
According to the proposed timeline, electric bus services in Punjab are expected to begin in January 2027. The government has also set a target of bringing the total number of electric buses operating across the province to 3,000 by June 2027.
Under the initial plan, buses are proposed to be distributed across various divisions and their tehsils to expand access to public transport in more areas of the province.
How Many Electric Buses Are Proposed for Each Division?
The proposed allocation of electric buses across Punjab’s divisions is as follows:
Multan Division: 169 buses for nine tehsils.
Sahiwal Division: 87 buses for four tehsils.
Bahawalpur Division: 215 buses for 11 tehsils.
Dera Ghazi Khan Division: 63 buses for 10 tehsils.
Faisalabad Division: 202 buses for 12 tehsils.
Sargodha Division: 198 buses for 14 tehsils.
Gujranwala Division: 125 buses for seven tehsils.
Gujrat Division: 122 buses for eight tehsils.
Rawalpindi Division: 219 buses for 16 tehsils.
The allocations are part of the proposed rollout and may be subject to further changes as the project progresses.
Focus on Cleaner and More Efficient Public Transport
The initiative aims to modernise Punjab’s public transport system and provide residents with a cleaner alternative for daily travel.
The introduction of electric buses is expected to help reduce transport-related emissions. Establishing dedicated depots and maintenance facilities could also improve the operational efficiency and management of the province’s public transport network.
The successful implementation of the project will depend on the timely delivery of buses, the development of depot facilities, operational arrangements and the effective launch of services across the selected areas.
Important editorial check before publication
The nine division-wise allocations listed in the supplied information add up to 1,400 buses, not 1,500. This leaves a difference of 100 buses that should be verified against the official announcement before publication.
Also, the January 2027 launch and June 2027 target are described as proposed plans and targets, rather than confirmed service dates.
