Lahore is taking a new step in public transportation and the necessity of a new project is attracting attention now: an electric tram in Lahore. Having introduced metro buses and electric buses, Lahore is once again innovating by becoming the first city in Pakistan to have an electric tram. This project will not only support the improvement of urban mobility in Pakistan but also help address environmental issues by transitioning to clean and efficient transportation corridors. It is the second of its kind in South Asia and with this launch, Lahore is one of the few cities in South Asia to have a battery-powered trackless tram.
The electric tram is a kind of transport invention that is entirely powered by electricity. This is a modern tram in Lahore that differs from traditional trams, which are typically placed on fixed tracks. It has rubber tires and operates in programmed digital routes in the streets. The benefit? There is no need to put down steel rails to construct a complicated overhead electric system. It is cheaper, less time-consuming and less harmful to pre-existing road infrastructure.
The model, which is used worldwide as an Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system, is already operational in cities such as Shenzhen, Doha, and Kuala Lumpur. The idea is revolutionary in Pakistan and the innovation is nearer to the everyday commuter.
The pathway of the pilot tram that has been chosen in Lahore links Thokar Niaz Baig and Harbanspura passing along Canal Road. It is an abundant traffic thoroughfare as it connects domestic areas with the core business and school districts.
| Tram Route Segment | Key Area Description |
| Start Point: Kalma Chowk | Major traffic intersection and connection point to Ferozepur Road and Gulberg. |
| Liberty Market | High-footfall shopping hub; known for fashion outlets and eateries. |
| Gaddafi Stadium | National sports complex and event venue; attracts large crowds during matches and events. |
| Gulberg Main Boulevard | One of Lahore’s main commercial corridors with malls, offices, and retail chains. |
| Main Market Roundabout | Dense traffic loop connecting residential and commercial zones. |
| MM Alam Road | Premium dining and retail street, popular among youth and tourists. |
| Noor Jehan Road | Residential–commercial link road easing flow into upper and lower Gulberg areas. |
| End Point: Kalma Chowk | Returns to the origin point for a closed loop, facilitating regular, predictable circulation. |
The initial route has been chosen strategically:
The tram in Lahore will be tested thoroughly on this 27-kilometer stretch before its public launch. The government has mentioned that a future corridor may also be introduced in Gulberg’s Main Boulevard, another densely populated commercial area.
The electric tram doesn’t need rail tracks or overhead wires. It’s built like a bus but guided digitally through sensors and software. This reduces both cost and construction time.
Each tram can accommodate up to 250 passengers—about the same as a long metro bus. It features three compartments and is designed for standing and seated passengers.
It can be recharged within 10 minutes. It is capable of covering 25 to 27 kilometers on a single charge and this fits well with its pilot route.
Electric trams are almost silent. They have rubber wheels and an electric motor, so the ride is smooth, and they are a non-polluting ride on the busy roads.
For the first few months, the electric tram in Lahore will offer free rides. This is part of a government initiative to promote the service and gather public feedback. It also gives engineers the chance to test the system in live traffic conditions without passenger complaints about delays or breakdowns.
Although the specific ticket prices have not been determined, government sources have indicated that the prices will rival those of Metrobus and electric buses. That means the tram in Lahore ticket price is around PKR 20–30 per trip.
It is quite cheaper than auto-rickshaws, taxis, or ride-hailing services, as a part of general commuting transport.
Lahore was the home of more than 11 million people and traffic was never off. Traffic jams consume time, gasoline and create air pollution on an everyday basis. A tram will lead to the reduction of the number of personal vehicles.
The city of Lahore is always on the list of the 5 most polluted places in the world. Electric trams are also used directly to alleviate air pollution because they do not produce tailpipe emissions in traffic.
Despite the Metrobus and Orange Line Train being available in Lahore, many parts of the city remain devoid of stable transportation options that most people can access with ease. This gap can be overcome through trams, particularly in long corridors such as Canal Road, where there is no metro train.
According to Punjab’s Urban Unit and transport ministry officials, if the Lahore trial succeeds, electric trams will be launched in Faisalabad and Gujranwala. These are also densely populated cities facing similar traffic and pollution issues.
The electric tram is to be coordinated with the other public transport systems by the officials. There is a good chance that a single ticket may get commuters to the tram, Metrobus, Orange Line and the electric bus. This would construct a smooth and integrated transport grid in the cities of Punjab.
Unlike diesel buses or motorbikes, the tram in Lahore doesn’t burn any fuel. It uses battery power, which can later be linked to solar grids as technology advances.
Its clean energy system contributes to achieving the international and local climate change promises. As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Pakistan is obligated to limit urban transport emissions at the city scale, and this tram is one way this can be accomplished.
The noise levels from regular traffic in Lahore are dangerously high. Electric trams, being almost noiseless, contribute to lowering the urban soundscape.
Comparing Electric Tram With Other Modes
| Feature | Metrobus | Orange Line Train | Electric Tram |
| Fuel Type | Diesel-Hybrid | Electric (on rails) | Electric (trackless) |
| Avg. Fare | PKR 30 | PKR 40 | TBD (PKR 20–30 est.) |
| Route Flexibility | Fixed Lanes | Fixed Tracks | Flexible, road-based |
| Capacity | 150–180 | 1000+ | ~250 |
| Setup Time | Long (3–4 years) | Very Long (5+ yrs) | Short (1–2 years) |
| Cost of Infrastructure | High | Very High | Low to Medium |
Since the tram uses existing roads, there are concerns about traffic congestion. Authorities are working to assign a “virtual lane” using smart navigation and traffic signaling.
To maintain a full fleet, multiple high-speed charging stations are needed. The pilot will use a central facility in Ali Town, but scaling up will require more stations.
Lahore’s public transport culture is still developing. For the tram to succeed, people need education about routes, timings, and benefits. Signage, announcements, and online apps will be essential.
Initial reactions from Lahore residents have been largely positive. Many are excited about trying the service, especially students and office workers commuting along Canal Road. Some worry about delays or whether the project will suffer the same fate as previous transport plans that never scaled. But with visible testing underway and commitment from the Punjab government, this appears to be more than just another pilot.
With the expansion of Lahore, residential areas such as Eastern Housing Lahore are making significant contributions to transforming the city’s urban infrastructure. Sitting close to the Quaid-e-Azam Interchange off Ring Road, Eastern Housing is not merely a residential project; it is an expanding commercial ecosystem. In the center of the Eastern City Walk, a contemporary business community featuring commercial plots of 2 Marla, 4 Marla, and 5 Marla, premium for retailers, corporate office buildings, and branded stores.
Designing walkable cities, incorporating green outdoor areas, and providing excellent infrastructure, Eastern City Walk is the natural choice to accompany the cleaner and greener city design aimed at Lahore, and therefore may be thoroughly seen as a waiting spot for tram or electric bus expansions. Such urban forms are also likely to benefit from improved connectivity through electric trams and other forms of public transport, which are increasing every day, resulting in increased foot traffic and business opportunities.
The electric tram in Lahore is not only an upgrade in the transport system, but also a guideline towards (clean, intelligent) cities in Pakistan. It has already been proven in other countries, and it is affordable and feasible in Lahore since it will be adapted locally. Unless the tram meets expectations, it can transform the way Lahoris travel. It not only brings speed, affordability, relief on the environment, and a pinch of futuristic technology to the historic streets of the city. The other parts of the country are hoping on Lahore as it embraces this innovation. The path to green, efficient mobility in urban areas was officially started.
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