Green initiative: Punjab govt plans to start 1,000 ‘electric buses’ across province

LAHORE: A delegation led by Liu Junhua, chairman of Chinese vehicle company Chongqing CRRC Hengtong, discussed the green transport system project in the province with Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, here on Monday.

The project involves introducing 5,000 electric buses in Punjab with the first phase starting with 1,000 buses. In the next five years, an “end-to-end” green transport system will be launched in major cities.

CM Maryam Nawaz assured full support for the production of vehicles and agreed to provide all necessary facilities for the production of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers in Punjab.

The Chinese delegation introduced a unified charging system for e-transport. During the discussion, mini shopping mall and bus stop models were also discussed.

Maryam Nawaz requested a comprehensive transport system plan from the Chinese consortium, expressing her wish for a complete green transport system for the people.

She noted the growing public interest in electric vehicles and highlighted the problems of traffic jams and increasing environmental pollution.

CM said that Chinese transport companies would be welcomed and given full support in Lahore, adding that the projects included bullet trains, metrobuses and electric buses in every district.

Maryam Nawaz said that Shehbaz Sharif had earlier started the Orange Line and Metro Bus System, there is a need to improve the transport system in many areas of Lahore.

She expressed her desire to completely redesign the transport system of Punjab including transport infrastructure, bus stops, charging system and other facilities. She stressed the importance of friendship with a country like China.

Liu Junhua remarked that Lahore is a beautiful city with beautiful weather. Hang Tong Vehicle Company’s Overseas Project Manager Jiang Xingyu expressed his happiness to see Maryam Nawaz engaged in public service.