Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan has announced that the Green Electric Bus Service in Attock is entering its final preparation stage and is expected to begin operations within eight to nine days after Eid. The minister made the announcement during a visit to Attock, where he reviewed arrangements at the General Bus Stand and Electric Vehicle Stand and appreciated the performance of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Attock. He described the initiative as part of a broader provincial effort to improve public transport facilities by introducing modern, safe, and affordable travel services across Punjab.
Speaking to the media, Bilal Akbar Khan confirmed that preparations for the launch had reached an advanced stage under the vision of Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz, with the buses set to be operational shortly after the Eid holidays. He added that the environmentally friendly buses would be smoke-free and noise-free, aimed at providing better travel facilities to daily commuters. The service is planned to initially operate with 15 green buses covering routes linking Attock with Hazro, Attock Khurd, Haji Shah, and Fateh Jang, with additional routes to be introduced in later phases as the network gradually expands to other tehsils, including less developed areas of the district. The buses will function on a hybrid system, with each vehicle expected to cover approximately 300 kilometres daily, supported by both electricity and solar power for charging.
The Attock launch is part of a wider expansion drive approved by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who sanctioned electric bus deployment across 10 districts including Bhakkar, Hafizabad, Khanewal, Layyah, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Mandi Bahauddin, and Okara. Officials had earlier informed the government that 100 electric buses were expected to arrive in Punjab during April, followed by 350 buses by mid-May and another 264 by the end of June, with dedicated bus depots to be established in each division to support operations. The chief minister has stated that the electric bus network will be expanded across Punjab to improve commuting facilities, upgrade urban transport systems, and reduce environmental pollution, with the long-term vision of introducing the service across all 148 tehsils of the province.
Under the broader provincial plan, a total of 1,500 electric buses are slated for deployment across various cities in Punjab. Each bus can accommodate up to 80 passengers, with 30 seats, and is equipped with amenities including GPS tracking, Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, anti-slip flooring, surveillance cameras, and ramps to assist passengers with disabilities. Dedicated electric bus stops are also being developed with facilities such as water coolers, fans, and mini canteens to improve the overall passenger experience. A subsidized flat fare has been set for the general public, while senior citizens, students, and differently-abled individuals are eligible for free rides. Separately, the minister noted that the Punjab government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against overcharging, overloading, rooftop travelling, and illegal fare collection during the Eid holiday period.
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