Lahore | July 2025
Lahore is about to welcome a new chapter in urban mobility. In a development that signals a bold shift towards sustainable transport, the country’s first electric tram has officially arrived in the city — and it’s unlike anything seen on Pakistani roads before.
Currently being assembled at the Ali Town Depot, this state-of-the-art tram has been imported from China, and is part of a pilot project planned along Lahore’s busy Canal Road corridor. If all goes well, residents of Punjab’s capital could soon be commuting in a vehicle that blends modern technology with environmental responsibility.
What Makes This Tram Unique?
This isn’t your traditional steel-on-rails tram. Designed to operate without fixed tracks, the vehicle is fully electric and runs seamlessly on regular roads — side-by-side with everyday traffic. Officials say the tram can travel up to 27 kilometers on just a 10-minute charge, making it both fast and energy-efficient.
It features three connected compartments, capable of carrying over 200 passengers, and comes equipped with digital navigation systems, steering controls, and a sleek, low-floor design to ensure easy boarding.
Although the tram can operate autonomously in theory, it will be manually driven in Pakistan due to safety protocols and road conditions. A live demonstration for senior government officials and transport experts is scheduled for early August at the Lahore Expo Centre.
From Thokar to Harbanspura — The Pilot Route
According to Punjab’s Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan, the initial test route will cover Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura via Canal Road. Authorities will closely monitor how the tram integrates with existing traffic flow and determine whether a dedicated lane is required. However, any road expansion or tree removal — usually necessary for such infrastructure — will be avoided to keep the project eco-friendly and cost-effective.
A secondary test run is also being considered for Main Boulevard in Gulberg, one of Lahore’s busiest commercial hubs.
“This technology is being adopted in Abu Dhabi and several Chinese cities, and even Budapest is preparing to launch similar systems. We’re confident Lahore and Gujranwala will beat them to it,” said the minister.
Beyond Lahore: A Vision for Punjab
The electric tram project is part of Punjab’s broader five-year transport modernization plan, approved earlier this year. At the heart of the plan is the Automated Rapid Transit (ART) system — an advanced, trackless electric bus network inspired by models operating in Qatar, Malaysia, and the UAE.
These ART vehicles will feature:
- Three interconnected coaches
- Seating for up to 300 passengers
- Onboard Wi-Fi
- CCTV surveillance
- Rapid solar-powered charging stations
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has emphasized that the strategy isn’t just about big cities like Lahore and Faisalabad — the goal is to bring modern, clean, and reliable public transport to smaller urban centres as well.
“The tram is not just a vehicle,” she noted in a planning meeting earlier this year. “It’s a symbol of our commitment to equal development, sustainability, and a higher quality of life across Punjab.”
What’s Next?
If the pilot in Lahore proves successful, the electric tram system could be expanded to other cities — starting with Faisalabad and Gujranwala during the current fiscal year. The project also aims to reduce traffic congestion, cut emissions, and create new job opportunities in the emerging green transport sector.
For a city long plagued by smog and overcrowded roads, the electric tram offers more than just a ride — it offers a glimpse of a smarter, cleaner future.
