The Punjab government has approved a shift to digital procurement by moving all future auctions for Lahore’s major bus terminals to an e-tendering system. This transition follows growing concerns over transparency and the continued use of outdated manual processes in the allocation of contracts for public transport facilities. The move comes after it was revealed that manual auctions had been conducted at four major bus terminals in the city without proper oversight. These include Badami Bagh, Sikandaria, Jinnah Terminal Thokar, and Raiwind.
The Lahore city administration, in collaboration with the Punjab Procurement Regulatory Authority, has now halted all manual auction activities at these terminals and authorized PPRA to oversee digital auctions moving forward. Officials have stated that this shift is intended to reduce opportunities for corruption and irregularities in the contracting process, replacing them with a more secure and auditable digital method.
For the fiscal year 2025–26, the Punjab government has set a revenue target of PKR 1.15 billion from terminal auctions through this new e-tendering approach. A total of 48 contracts are expected to be awarded via electronic bidding mechanisms. These contracts include various service components at major bus and wagon terminals throughout Lahore.
Among the notable revenue targets, the General Bus Stand—covering both AC and non-AC buses—is projected to generate PKR 302 million. The Sikandaria Colony AC bus contract is estimated at PKR 310 million, while the intercity wagon sector on Multan Road is expected to bring in PKR 130 million. Thokar Jinnah Terminal, another key transport hub, has a target of PKR 70 million, and the intercity bus contracts are expected to add PKR 120 million to the overall target.
Additional contracts cover various services that include parking, portering (coolie fees), and public toilet maintenance. Notably, the Coolie Fee at the General Bus Stand is projected to generate PKR 11.3 million, with the Parking Fee for the same terminal expected to reach PKR 45.5 million. Parking at Sikandaria Colony has been tagged at PKR 12.1 million, and the Jinnah Terminal Parking Stand is set at PKR 4.81 million. Even smaller facilities like the public toilets at the Mini Bus Terminal have defined financial goals, estimated at PKR 6.8 million.
This system-wide change represents a significant effort by the provincial administration to align public service delivery with modern procurement standards. Officials believe that adopting e-tendering will lead to better oversight, fewer opportunities for manipulation, and more efficient public infrastructure management. By digitizing these auction processes, the government is taking active steps toward ensuring a more accountable and transparent governance framework for public transport operations in urban centers like Lahore.
