Faisalabad set to launch 86 electric buses next year

FAISALABAD: To provide high-quality urban transportation in Faisalabad as part of the first phase of the city’s modern transport initiative, 86 eco-friendly electric buses, comprising 50 nine-meter-long and 36 eleven-meter-long vehicles, will begin operations on six routes, as announced by Punjab Secretary of Transport Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi during his visit to Faisalabad, following the Punjab Cabinet’s approval of funds for the project.

To support the initiative, three depots are being established at Ghulam Muhammad Abad, Sargodha Road, and Gatwala which will feature charging stations, solar power systems, a command and control system, and service stations. As part of the project, 157 bus shelters and 178 flag posts will be constructed across the city with a dedicated software application, providing real-time information on timings and routes.

Dr Qazi instructed the district administration, Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA), traffic police, municipal, and other concerned departments to repair routes to ensure the implementation of this project. The service is scheduled to launch on August 14, 2025.

During a briefing, details regarding the Sustainable Financing Model for Punjab Urban Public Transport under the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and Faisalabad’s Quality Public Transport Network report were shared. Faisalabad Deputy Commissioner Captain (R) Nadeem Nasir proposed extending the Metro Bus Service to the Canal Expressway, Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development & Management Company (FIEDMC), and Sargodha Road up to Chiniot, suggesting its integration with WASA for enhanced urban connectivity. Punjab Mass Transit Authority officials shared insights from their experience with metro bus projects in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan and provided details for a flawless metro bus project in Faisalabad.

Later, Dr Qazi, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Captain (R) Nadeem Nasir, and DG FDA Muhammad Asif, visited the proposed depot sites and issued instructions to the relevant officials.

Senior officials, including MD Punjab Mass Transit Authority Kanwar Anwar Khan, GM Operations Muhammad Uzair Shah, Director Transport Department Dr Waseem Akram, Chief Traffic Officer Punjab Transport Company Hassan Faiq Manhas, and Operations Manager Punjab Mass Transit Authority Rizwan Nazir were also present.