LAHORE – Lahore has taken another significant leap in its journey towards a modern, eco-friendly urban transport system with the arrival of its first-ever electric tram from China. The state-of-the-art vehicle is currently being assembled at the Ali Town depot and is set to be launched as a pilot project on the city's iconic and heavily congested Canal Road.
This new addition to the city's public transport network follows the successful implementation of the Metro Bus, the Orange Line Metro Train, and a fleet of electric buses, further cementing Lahore's position as a pioneer in adopting sustainable mass transit solutions in Pakistan. With a capacity of 250 passengers and the ability to travel up to 27 kilometers on a single 10-minute charge, the tram promises a clean, efficient, and quiet alternative for daily commuters.
Lahore's Public Transport Evolution
The arrival of the electric tram is not an isolated event but the latest chapter in Lahore's ambitious, decade-long quest to solve its urban mobility crisis. The city, which has a population of over 13 million, has long grappled with severe traffic congestion and hazardous air pollution, frequently ranking among the world's most polluted cities.
The transformation began with the launch of the Lahore Metro Bus in 2013, a bus rapid transit (BRT) system that introduced a dedicated corridor for high-speed buses. This was followed by the landmark Orange Line Metro Train in 2020, Pakistan's first-ever automated rapid transit system, which now serves hundreds of thousands of passengers daily along its 27-kilometer route.
More recently, the Punjab government introduced a fleet of eco-friendly electric buses, signaling a clear policy shift towards reducing the transport sector's carbon footprint. The new electric tram is the logical next step in this evolution, offering a high-capacity, rail-based solution that is quieter and more energy-efficient than buses, without the heavy infrastructure costs of an underground or elevated metro line.
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Technical Specifications and Green Credentials
The newly arrived tram is a modern, three-coach vehicle designed for efficiency and passenger comfort. Its key specifications are impressive:
- Passenger Capacity: The tram can comfortably accommodate up to 250 passengers per trip.
- Power Source: It runs entirely on electricity, producing zero tailpipe emissions.
- Charging and Range: In a remarkable display of efficiency, the tram can travel up to 27 kilometers after a single charging session of just 10 minutes.
These features make it an ideal solution for a bustling metropolis. The zero-emissions operation will directly contribute to reducing Lahore's notorious smog, particularly during the winter months. By offering a high-capacity alternative to private cars, rickshaws, and motorcycles, the tram service is also expected to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce travel times, and lower the overall noise pollution along its route.
The Canal Road Route: A Strategic Lifeline
The choice of Canal Road for the pilot project's initial phase is a strategic one. The planned route, which will run along the Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura stretch, covers one of Lahore's most vital and scenic arterial roads.
Canal Road is the green heart of Lahore, but it is also a major chokepoint for traffic, connecting the city's southern and northern suburbs with key commercial centers, hospitals, and major educational institutions like the University of the Punjab. Every day, hundreds of thousands of commuters use this route, leading to long traffic jams, especially during peak hours.
By introducing a tram service along this corridor, the government aims to provide a reliable and predictable transport option for a massive number of daily travelers. It will serve students, office workers, and families, offering them a comfortable and environmentally friendly way to bypass the gridlock. The success of this pilot project on such a critical route will be a key factor in determining the future expansion of the tram network across the city.
The Pilot Project and Future Expansion
Officials have confirmed that the initial launch on Canal Road will be a pilot project. This approach allows the transport authority to gather valuable data on ridership, operational efficiency, and public reception before committing to a city-wide network. It provides an opportunity to identify and resolve any technical or logistical challenges on a smaller scale.
The long-term vision is to create a fully integrated public transport system where the Metro Bus, Orange Line, electric buses, and the new tram service work in synergy. A successful pilot could pave the way for the expansion of the tram network to other major thoroughfares like Ferozepur Road and Multan Road, creating a comprehensive grid that covers all corners of the city.
The sourcing of the tram from China also highlights the ongoing bilateral cooperation in infrastructure development, much of which falls under the umbrella of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). As Lahore continues to grow, such strategic investments in sustainable infrastructure will be crucial for ensuring its future as a livable and economically vibrant megacity.