CM Buzdar approves the launch of green electric buses in Lahore.

LAHORE – The Punjab government has plans to operate green electric buses to reduce environmental pollution and to deal with the problem of smog in the province.

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar Wednesday gave in-principle approval to ply these buses with the direction to complete the spadework as soon as possible. While presiding over a meeting at his office here, the Chief Minister asked the transport department to submit comprehensive recommendations at the earliest.

These buses will ply on 103 kilometers long six routes in Lahore while the service will also be introduced in other cities through the public-private partnership. The meeting dilated on different procurement options.

The Chief Minister said a new transport facility will also be helpful in reducing environmental degradation and smog. The government will take every step to benefit the people, he remarked.

The meeting also decided to reactivate the vehicle inspection & certification system to eradicate smog. Usman Buzdar directed that the Lahore Transport Company should be converted to Punjab Transport Company. He also gave in-principle approval to the recruitment inspectors, sub-inspectors, and sergeants with the direction to improve cleanliness arrangements of the Orange Line Metro Train.

“No compromise will be made in this regard and I will personally inspect cleanliness by conducting surprise visits”, he warned. Also, the Chief Minister disclosed that public transport will be introduced, for the first time, in Koh-e-Suleman areas. “The best transport facility will be provided to Kot Chutta, Vohwa, Tibi Qaiserani, Taunsa and DG Khan at subsidized rates”, he said and announced that new buses will be introduced in Faisalabad and other divisions. Minister Transport Jahanzeb Khan Khichi, Secretary Transport, transport specialists, and others attended the meeting.