Punjab to Manufacture Electric Buses Locally

In a landmark move to boost local industry and promote sustainable transportation, the Punjab government has officially cancelled its international tender for importing electric buses. The provincial administration will now pursue direct contracting and focus on locally manufacturing electric buses within Pakistan, according to sources cited by a private news channel.

The decision was finalized during a recent cabinet meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Instead of depending on global suppliers, the government will establish a dedicated electric bus production facility in Faisalabad. Initially, some components will still be imported, but the long-term plan is to achieve full-scale domestic production of electric buses.

This shift in strategy is expected to bring substantial economic benefits. By reducing imports, the government aims to save valuable foreign exchange. At the same time, the establishment of local manufacturing units will create thousands of job opportunities across Punjab, supporting economic growth and industrial development.

To maintain international quality standards, the Punjab government will partner with a well-known global firm for technical assistance. This collaboration will ensure that the electric buses produced in Pakistan are safe, reliable, and meet international benchmarks.

The Punjab electric bus project has a rollout deadline set for September this year, when the first batch of locally assembled buses is expected to hit the roads. In the meantime, 27 electric buses imported from the Chinese company Yutong are already operating successfully in Lahore, offering a glimpse of what’s to come.

This bold step by the Punjab government is seen as a key milestone in transforming electric public transport in Pakistan. It not only supports environmental sustainability but also positions the province as a leader in innovative, locally-driven public transport solutions.

Industry experts have praised the initiative, calling it a transformative step for Pakistan’s transport and manufacturing sectors. By prioritizing locally manufactured electric buses, the Punjab government is not only addressing environmental concerns but also laying the foundation for a robust electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. This project could pave the way for future EV innovations in Pakistan, including electric vans, trucks, and even two-wheelers, contributing to the country’s long-term climate and economic goals.

Afsheen Gohar

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