The Punjab Mass Transit Authority has formally initiated the process of replacing its fuel-powered bus fleet with fully electric buses, opening pre-qualification for interested companies and firms ahead of a scheduled start date of July 16, as part of the provincial government’s drive toward a cleaner and more sustainable public transport system.
Under the plan, the authority will transition its bus operations to an entirely electric transport system aligned with the environmental and urban mobility goals outlined under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Companies wishing to participate in the pre-qualification process must demonstrate prior experience in supplying 12-metre fully electric buses, and will also be required to show a track record in providing genuine spare parts alongside repair and maintenance services for electric bus fleets. These eligibility requirements are designed to ensure that only suppliers with proven operational experience in large-format electric vehicles are considered, reducing the risk of procurement from firms lacking the technical depth to support a functioning electric bus network over the long term.
Beyond the supply of vehicles, selected firms will be responsible for the installation and commissioning of the charging infrastructure required to keep the fleet operational, as well as the delivery of driver training programmes and the establishment of operational arrangements covering day-to-day service running. The inclusion of charging station deployment and training within the scope of the pre-qualification criteria reflects an understanding that transitioning a public transport fleet to electric operation requires an integrated support ecosystem rather than simply a vehicle replacement exercise. The Punjab Mass Transit Authority’s move to electrify its bus fleet sits within a broader package of green transport initiatives being advanced by the provincial government during the current budget cycle, which also includes the deployment of 50,000 electric motorcycles for students and youth, 5,000 electric taxis, the launch of the app-based electric bike sharing service in Lahore, and the planned addition of 2,000 electric buses to the provincial fleet during fiscal year 2026-27.
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