Lahore is set to welcome Pakistan’s first electric tram as part of a new pilot project aimed at modernising urban transport. The state of the art tram, imported from China, has arrived in the city and is currently being assembled at the Ali Town Depot.
This marks a significant milestone in Lahore’s evolving public transport network, following the Metro Bus, Orange Line, Speedo buses, and Electro Green electric buses.
Electric tram to begin test runs along Canal Road corridor
The new electric tram will initially operate as a pilot project along Lahore’s Canal Road, stretching from Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura. A demonstration run is expected to take place in the first or second week of August at the Lahore Expo Centre.
The goal of the trial is to study the tram’s interaction with existing road traffic and determine whether a dedicated lane would be necessary for future operations.
The tram features three interconnected compartments and can accommodate over 200 passengers. Unlike traditional trams, it does not require metal tracks. Instead, it can operate on regular roads using a digital navigation system.
Although designed for autonomous travel, the tram will be manually operated in Pakistan due to safety concerns. Its electric battery allows it to travel up to 27 kilometres on a single 10 minute charge.
According to Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan, this latest transport technology has recently been introduced in cities such as Abu Dhabi and two major urban centres in China.
He added that Budapest is preparing for its launch as well but Pakistan might see operations ahead of the European capital. “We are optimistic that Lahore and Gujranwala will see this service before Budapest,” he said.
Authorities are also exploring a test run on Main Boulevard, Gulberg. However, they are cautious about constructing a dedicated tram lane due to potential costs and environmental concerns.
“Building a separate lane may involve cutting trees and expanding the road, which we are trying to avoid to keep project expenses low,” officials noted.
The pilot project is part of the provincial government’s broader vision to offer sustainable, smart, and efficient public transport solutions in urban centres.
If successful, the electric tram system could be expanded to other cities in Punjab, bringing Pakistan a step closer to joining the ranks of cities investing in next generation mobility.
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