Latest news with #BilalAkbarKhan
Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Country's first electric tram arrives
Lahore is set to see electric trams on its roads, marking a new milestone following the Metro Bus, Orange Line Metro Train, Speedo feeder buses, and Electro Green buses. The first electric tram, imported from China, has arrived in the city and is currently being assembled at the Ali Town Depot. Officials said the tram, designed to operate without a conventional rail track, will initially run as a pilot project along the Canal Road. A demonstration for senior government officials and transport specialists is expected in the first or second week of August at the Lahore Expo Centre. The state-of-the-art tram consists of three interconnected compartments and can carry more than 200 passengers. Fully electric, it can travel up to 27 kilometres on a 10-minute charge. Although capable of autonomous operation through a digital navigation system, it will be manually operated by drivers in Pakistan due to safety considerations. The vehicle is equipped with steering controls and is designed to operate alongside regular traffic without requiring significant infrastructure changes. "This is the latest technology, recently introduced in cities like Abu Dhabi and two Chinese urban centres, and soon to begin operations in Budapest," said Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan. "We are optimistic that Lahore and Gujranwala will see this service before Budapest." The minister added that the tram would operate along the Canal Road corridor, from Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura, during the trial phase. Authorities will monitor the tram's interaction with existing traffic and assess whether a dedicated lane is necessary. However, constructing such a lane could involve cutting trees and road expansion — options the government aims to avoid to keep project costs under control. A test run is also proposed for Main Boulevard, Gulberg. If successful, the tram system may be expanded to other cities, including Faisalabad and Gujranwala, during the current fiscal year. The initiative is part of Punjab's five-year transport modernisation strategy approved earlier this year. At a February meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, officials outlined plans for an Automated Rapid Transit (ART) system, a cutting-edge, trackless electric bus network modelled after systems already operational in Abu Dhabi, Malaysia, and Qatar. The ART vehicles will feature three coaches, accommodating up to 300 passengers, with onboard Wi-Fi, CCTV surveillance, and rapid charging capabilities at solar-powered smart stations. The system is designed to reduce the need for specialised tracks, making it cost-efficient and space-saving. "The goal is to introduce modern public transportation not just in major urban centres, but also in smaller cities across Punjab," said the CM. "This initiative will improve quality of life and reduce disparities across the province." The ART system is expected to be rolled out in 10 cities over three phases, beginning with Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala.
Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Lahore set to launch Pakistan's first electric tram
Listen to article Lahore is set to see electric trams on its roads, marking a new milestone following the Metro Bus, Orange Line Metro Train, Speedo feeder buses, and Electro Green buses. The first electric tram, imported from China, has arrived in the city and is currently being assembled at the Ali Town Depot. Officials said the tram, designed to operate without a conventional rail track, will initially run as a pilot project along the Canal Road. A demonstration for senior government officials and transport specialists is expected in the first or second week of August at the Lahore Expo Centre. The state-of-the-art tram consists of three interconnected compartments and can carry more than 200 passengers. Fully electric, it can travel up to 27 kilometres on a 10-minute charge. Although capable of autonomous operation through a digital navigation system, it will be manually operated by drivers in Pakistan due to safety considerations. The vehicle is equipped with steering controls and is designed to operate alongside regular traffic without requiring significant infrastructure changes. 'This is the latest technology, recently introduced in cities like Abu Dhabi and two Chinese urban centres, and soon to begin operations in Budapest,' said Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan. 'We are optimistic that Lahore and Gujranwala will see this service before Budapest.' Also Read: Eight SBCA officers get bail in building collapse case The minister added that the tram would operate along the Canal Road corridor, from Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura, during the trial phase. Authorities will monitor the tram's interaction with existing traffic and assess whether a dedicated lane is necessary. However, constructing such a lane could involve cutting trees and road expansion — options the government aims to avoid to keep project costs under control. A test run is also proposed for Main Boulevard, Gulberg. If successful, the tram system may be expanded to other cities, including Faisalabad and Gujranwala, during the current fiscal year. The initiative is part of Punjab's five-year transport modernisation strategy approved earlier this year. At a February meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, officials outlined plans for an Automated Rapid Transit (ART) system, a cutting-edge, trackless electric bus network modelled after systems already operational in Abu Dhabi, Malaysia, and Qatar. Read More: Commercial waste pollutes water bodies in K-P The ART vehicles will feature three coaches, accommodating up to 300 passengers, with onboard Wi-Fi, CCTV surveillance, and rapid charging capabilities at solar-powered smart stations. The system is designed to reduce the need for specialised tracks, making it cost-efficient and space-saving. 'The goal is to introduce modern public transportation not just in major urban centres, but also in smaller cities across Punjab,' said the CM. 'This initiative will improve quality of life and reduce disparities across the province.' The ART system is expected to be rolled out in 10 cities over three phases, beginning with Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala.
Business Recorder
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Yutong launches DMT, YEA technologies: Punjab govt promoting EVs for public mobility: minister
LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Transport and Mass Transit, Minister Bilal Akbar Khan has said the provincial government is promoting adoption of electric vehicles for public mobility to align with the government larger climate change mitigation policy. The minister was addressing a modern Dual Mode Transmission (DMT) & YEA Technology Launch Conference for commercial vehicles mainly the buses here on Thursday. He further said the public transport is rapidly transitioning towards electric mobility, marking a new era of sustainable transportation. Yutong Bus Co, a global leader in commercial vehicle manufacturing, successfully hosted the DMT & Yutong Electric Architecture (YEA) Technology Launch Conference in Lahore, marking a major advancement in Pakistan's public transport sector. Cao Ke, Deputy Consul General of china and other also participated in the event. A contract signing was also held at the conference between Wah Industries Limited (WIL) and Youtong- a world's largest buses manufacturer based in China for procurement of 400 state-of-the-art Yutong Electric buses — a significant step toward modernizing Pakistan's transport infrastructure. The event gathered key stakeholders from government departments, the transport industry, and private operators to witness the launch of Dual Mode Transmission (DMT) and Yutong Electric Architecture (YEA) — two next-generation technologies aimed at enhancing consumption efficiency, reducing emissions, and enabling smarter mobility. Following the successful introduction of electric buses in the province, Minister Bilal Akbar Khan said a policy has devised a plan to launch the province's first-ever electric taxi service. He said that in the first phase, 1,100 electric vehicles will be provided on interest-free loan and easy installments for the e-taxi project. He said that to support the EV transition, charging stations are being established across the province. The minister stressed the need for a well-structured policy that prioritises public interest, encouraging people to shift from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric alternatives. The minister highlighted that the widespread adoption of EVs would not only lead to fuel savings but also play a crucial role in combating smog and reducing air pollution across Punjab. In his keynote, Robin Shen, CEO of Yutong Middle East, highlighted the company's long-standing commitment to Pakistan and its focus on delivering innovation-driven, localized solutions. Paul Zhang, Managing Director of Yutong Pakistan, presented a deep dive into the features and benefits of DMT and YEA, emphasizing their role in improving performance and supporting sustainable transportation. A unique feature of the event was the 'Green Commitment Tree' — an interactive booth where participants signed symbolic leaves pledging their support for sustainable mobility. This initiative reflected Yutong's global commitment to environmental responsibility and green innovation. The ceremony concluded with a walkaround of Yutong's latest bus models, media engagements, and a networking hi-tea. With over 70% market share in Pakistan's premium intercity bus segment and leadership in electric and hybrid solutions, Yutong continues to lead the transformation of Pakistan's transport ecosystem toward a cleaner, smarter, and more efficient future. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
