In a move hailed as a step forward in urban mobility and green transport, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took a test ride on the province’s first urban electric tram, also known as the Automated Rail Rapid Transit (ART) system, on August 6, 2025.
Test Ride Marks Key Milestone
- CM Maryam personally inspected the ART tram, riding it along Lahore’s Canal Road to evaluate its performance.
- The ART system, also referred to as a “trackless tram,” runs on rubber tires and is fully electric—designed to be both cost-effective and eco-friendly.
Pilot Phase Underway in Lahore
- The tram is part of a pilot project to test its performance in Lahore’s real traffic environment.
- Authorities will assess whether a dedicated lane will be needed in future routes based on these trials.
Imported Technology, Assembled Locally
- The electric tram is imported from China and is currently being assembled at Ali Town Depot, Lahore.
- With three compartments, each tram can carry up to 300 passengers.
- It offers a range of 25–27 kilometers on a 10-minute charge and includes Wi-Fi and CCTV for passenger convenience and security.
Long-Term Transport Vision
- The project falls under Punjab’s five-year public transport master plan.
- If successful, the ART system will expand to cities like Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and eventually to 30 cities across the province.
This pilot initiative is being seen as a major leap toward sustainable urban transit and reflects Punjab’s growing focus on environmental responsibility and public convenience.
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