by The Punjab Government, under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is expanding its ambitious green mobility initiative by announcing the launch of an electric green bus service in Sargodha division—marking a key milestone in building eco-friendly and inclusive public transport across the province.
🎯 What’s Happening?
- A fleet of 48 electric buses is set to begin operations on August 14, 2025, covering Sargodha division. This includes:
- 12 buses for Khushab
- 6 buses each for Mianwali and Bhakkar
- The service offers free travel to senior citizens, students, and persons with disabilities, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
- Punjab to Launch Electric Green Bus Service in Another Division Soon.
📌 Background: Punjab’s Electric Bus Expansion
- In April 2025, the provincial government approved deployment of 1,500 electric buses across major cities, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Sialkot, and Dera Ghazi Khan.
- The first phase included 380 buses for Lahore and Gujranwala, with charging stations and a command-and-control center under development.
- By June 2025, 240 electric buses were rolled out across 24 South Punjab districts, focusing on rural connectivity and environmental sustainability.
🌍 Why This Matters
- Environmental benefits: Transitioning to electric buses reduces reliance on diesel, slashes emissions, curbs air pollution, and supports Punjab’s climate resilience goals.
- Social inclusion: Free rides for vulnerable segments—students, elderly, and persons with disabilities—ensure equitable access to modern transport.
- Balanced development: Expanding services to smaller cities and rural districts promotes transport equity across the province.
- Strategic planning: The province has integrated route planning, infrastructure setup, charging stations, and central management to support sustainable operations.
🗓️ What’s Coming Next?
| Phase | Target Region | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 (Launched Feb 2025) | Lahore | 27 buses, 9 charging stations, modern amenities |
| Phase 2 (First expansion) | Sargodha division | 48 buses across 3 districts, free fare segments |
| Upcoming Phase | Gujranwala division & others | 206 buses expected by September 2025 |
| Broader rollout (by late 2025) | Multan, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad | Full deployment of 1,500+ electric buses across Punjab |
Sargodha’s upcoming service reflects a deliberate focus on ensuring underserved regions receive modern transport facilities, not just major cities.
âś… Key Takeaways
- Launch Date: August 14, 2025
- School and Social Travel: Free for senior citizens, students, persons with disabilities
- Impact: Promotes cleaner air, reduces travel costs, and enhances transport equity
- Longer Agenda: Aligns with Punjab’s goal to deploy 1,500 electric buses province-wide by year-end
🌟 Final Thoughts
Punjab’s electric green bus expansion represents a forward-looking step toward sustainable, accessible, and equitable public transport. Sargodha’s inclusion signifies a commitment to connecting rural and mid-tier cities with modern mobility—a trend likely to strengthen as additional divisions come online in the coming months.
