LAHORE – August 6, 2025:
Marking a major stride toward sustainable urban transport, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif personally oversaw the test run of Pakistan’s first-ever electric urban train system on Tuesday. Dubbed the Super Autonomous Rapid Transit (SART), the project aims to transform how commuters travel in Lahore and beyond.
The trial journey, which ran from Ali Town to Muslim Town, saw the chief minister onboard as she assessed the train’s features and performance during regular traffic hours. Citizens gathered along Canal Road and Raiwind Road to witness the sleek, modern train gliding through the city a moment many described as “historic.”
Briefing the CM, Punjab’s Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan shared technical insights into the system, which has been developed by Norinco International. The electric train comprises three fully air-conditioned coaches with the capacity to accommodate up to 320 passengers. Notably, the battery-powered system can travel up to 40 kilometers on a single charge. Officials also hinted at the possibility of adding a fourth coach to expand capacity in the future.
Already operating in countries like China, Turkey, and the UAE, this next-generation transit model is being adopted in Pakistan to help ease urban congestion while reducing air pollution.
“This isn’t just a transportation project it’s a declaration of our intent to build a progressive, cleaner, and more connected Punjab,” said CM Maryam Nawaz during her address. “Every new initiative is aimed at improving lives. The SART will not only ease commuting in Lahore but also enhance the city’s overall appeal.”
The provincial government has indicated plans to expand the electric train project to Gujranwala and Faisalabad as part of a broader strategy to modernize public transportation across Punjab.
In another green initiative announced during the day, the chief minister confirmed the upcoming deployment of 1,100 electric buses throughout the province. These buses will operate in both major cities and smaller towns, offering eco-friendly transit at an affordable fare of just Rs20 per ride.
Later at a ceremony under the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar housing initiative, CM Maryam reiterated her administration’s commitment to strengthening public welfare systems. She vowed to eliminate water scarcity across Punjab within a year, citing ongoing investment in water infrastructure.
She also highlighted the restoration of free medicine programs in public hospitals, noting that 95% of patients are now receiving prescribed medications without charge. Efforts include home delivery of medicines for tuberculosis and insulin distribution for diabetic children.
Additionally, the CM spotlighted the Clinic on Wheels programme, which continues to expand across underserved areas, bringing essential primary healthcare services directly to neighbourhoods.
