Punjab to Set Up 2,000 EV Charging Stations as Electric Bus Service Expands Province-Wide

The Punjab government is taking a major leap toward sustainable transportation with the planned installation of 2,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to support its expanding electric bus service. This ambitious initiative is being led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and reflects the province’s commitment to promoting eco-friendly public transport and combating air pollution.

The plan was discussed during a video conference chaired by Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman at the Civil Secretariat. Senior officials, including secretaries from the Transport and Health Departments, the CEO of Lahore Waste Management Company, and all divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners, participated in the meeting.

As part of this expansion, the government will roll out 600 electric buses across Punjab, following the success of the Lahore electric bus service, which launched in February 2025 with 27 buses. The fare is fixed at Rs. 20, and each bus offers free Wi-Fi and mobile charging ports, ensuring a comfortable and modern travel experience.

By August 2025, an additional 500 electric buses will be added to the fleet. The Punjab government is now working to identify suitable locations for EV charging stations and electric bus depots across the province to support seamless operations.

According to Chief Secretary Zaman, this project aligns with the vision of CM Maryam Nawaz to provide citizens with international-standard public transport while reducing reliance on polluting fossil-fuel vehicles. He also ordered a crackdown on overloaded vehicles, which compromise passenger safety and contribute to traffic inefficiencies.

This move is part of Punjab’s broader green transport strategy, which also includes the introduction of a Vehicle Emission Testing (VET) program launched in May 2025. These efforts are especially crucial in tackling Lahore’s air pollution crisis, which worsens in October and November when Air Quality Index (AQI) levels reach hazardous levels.

With the deployment of EV buses and installation of charging infrastructure, the Punjab government is clearly focused on improving air quality, promoting clean mobility, and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.

Afsheen Gohar

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