Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the provincial administration to ensure that 1,115 electric buses are operational across Punjab by December, marking a major advancement in the province’s sustainable transport strategy. Chairing a high-level meeting to review progress across key development departments, Maryam emphasized the need for rapid execution of the electric bus program and instructed Deputy Commissioners to expedite the establishment of charging stations to support the fleet rollout. The initiative is part of Punjab’s broader commitment to introducing environmentally friendly mobility options and reducing the carbon footprint of urban transport systems.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister approved a uniform design for electric bus stops across the province, underscoring the importance of public convenience and aesthetics in infrastructure planning. She also endorsed the district-wise rollout schedule for the electric bus project, ensuring that implementation remains on track. Officials were further directed to accelerate work on the Super Autonomous Rapid Transit (SRT) project — a next-generation urban mobility initiative aimed at improving connectivity and easing congestion in major cities. Maryam highlighted that these efforts will not only improve public transportation but also contribute to cleaner air quality and energy efficiency in Punjab’s growing urban centers.
The Chief Minister also reviewed updates from the Housing and Urban Development Department, which reported substantial expansion in public service delivery. WASA’s operations have grown from five to 19 cities in recent months, with plans to reach 25 districts by the end of the year. Maryam instructed Housing Minister Bilal Yasin to personally inspect ongoing water filtration initiatives, noting that over 5,000 plants are currently operational across Punjab. She directed that performance on these projects be included in Deputy Commissioners’ KPIs to ensure accountability and the provision of clean drinking water to households. Officials were also asked to accelerate the supply of bottled clean water under provincial initiatives aimed at improving public health outcomes.
The meeting also reviewed progress on the Model Village Project, which has now begun in 472 villages. These model settlements include features such as community parks, paved streets, proper drainage systems, and improved sanitation infrastructure. Maryam reiterated the government’s focus on balanced development between urban and rural areas, emphasizing that access to modern amenities should extend beyond city limits. She further instructed the relevant departments to formally launch the Placer Gold Project, ensuring that its economic benefits reach local communities and contribute to regional development.
Officials from multiple departments presented detailed briefings on progress achieved under current directives, reaffirming that several projects are advancing ahead of schedule. The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction with the momentum of public welfare initiatives but urged departments to maintain transparency and efficiency in execution. The rollout of over 1,100 electric buses across Punjab is expected to transform the province’s public transportation landscape, setting a precedent for sustainable infrastructure development in Pakistan while aligning with national goals for clean energy transition and digital modernization.
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