Pakistan to Launch Its First Trackless Metro Under Punjab’s Transport Plan

Pakistan is stepping into the future of urban mobility with the launch of its first-ever trackless, ticketless, and solar-powered metro system — the Super Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (SRT) System. This innovative “subway on wheels” is part of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s ambitious five-year transport plan aimed at transforming public transport across the province.

How Does the Pakistan Trackless Metro Work?

Unlike conventional metro trains that rely on physical tracks, the Pakistan Trackless Metro will run on Virtual Track Technology — a cutting-edge system that uses advanced sensors, GPS, and digital mapping to guide the vehicle precisely without the need for physical rails.

This pioneering system offers a flexible, cost-effective solution for urban areas where building traditional rail lines is expensive and disruptive. The trackless metro, which resembles a modern bus but operates with the efficiency of a light rail train, is designed to provide smooth, reliable service while being environmentally friendly through solar power integration.

Lahore Hosts the First SRT Test Run

Earlier this month, Lahore received its first trial vehicle for the SRT system. A test run is already underway on a specially selected route near Lahore Airport, chosen for its ideal conditions to monitor performance and gather data.

According to Punjab Transport Department officials, “This is not just a test drive. This is a test for the future of public transport in Punjab.” The trial will help authorities fine-tune operations before rolling out the system on a larger scale.

Plans to Expand Across 30 Cities

This project is just the beginning. In the first phase, the SRT system will operate in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala, with more cities added in stages. The plan is to expand the trackless metro to 30 cities across Punjab within the next four years, adding 10 cities in each phase.

This bold rollout aims to modernize Pakistan’s urban mobility, cut down on traffic congestion, and provide cleaner, more sustainable transport options for millions of commuters.

Inspired by Global Success Stories

The Super Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit system is not new globally — it has already proven successful in countries like China, Malaysia, the UAE, and Türkiye. Originally launched in Jiangsu Province, China, in 2021, the system won the prestigious Zhan Tianyou Award from the China Civil Engineering Society, highlighting its innovation and sustainability.

A Greener, Smarter Future for Pakistan’s Transport

The launch of the Pakistan Trackless Metro signals a major milestone for the country’s infrastructure and climate goals. As cities continue to grow and traffic pressures mount, this modern, flexible transport solution could set a new standard for urban mobility nationwide.

With strong leadership under CM Maryam Nawaz and a clear plan for phased implementation, Pakistan is ready to join other countries pioneering smart, trackless transit technology for a greener, more connected future.

Afsheen Gohar

Afsheen Gohar is a seasoned writer with a wealth of experience in crafting authentic and well-researched articles. Her dedication to delivering high-quality content is evident in her work, where she combines a passion for storytelling with a commitment to accuracy and depth. Afsheen’s writing reflects her ability to engage readers with compelling narratives while providing valuable insights on a diverse range of topics.