Lahore is set to get its first electric tram service within the next six months, a project the Punjab government says will redefine public transport in the provincial capital.
Transport Minister Bilal Akbar confirmed that test runs have been successful and the service is scheduled to begin operations in February 2026. The tram will run between Thokar and Harbanspura, with each train capable of carrying up to 270 passengers.
The $30 million initiative has been developed with technical input from NESPAK and the Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMA), following detailed consultations with Chinese experts. According to officials, the tram is part of a larger strategy to shift Lahore’s transport network toward cleaner and more efficient options.
Metro Expansion Beyond Lahore
While Lahore prepares for its tram debut, the provincial government is also turning its attention to other major cities. Plans are underway for metro train systems in Faisalabad and Gujranwala, aimed at easing the daily commute for hundreds of thousands of people.
Early projections suggest Faisalabad’s metro could accommodate around 300,000 passengers every day, with an estimated cost of $110 million. Gujranwala’s system, comparatively smaller, is expected to serve about 140,000 commuters at a cost of roughly $50 million.
A Wider Transport Overhaul
The push for trams and metros signals Punjab’s effort to bring its urban transport closer to international standards. Analysts note that if executed effectively, these projects could reduce traffic congestion, cut reliance on private vehicles, and improve air quality in some of the province’s most crowded cities.
