Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced a major step to make public transport greener by charging electric buses with solar energy. This move aims to reduce fuel costs, protect the environment, and improve transport services across Punjab.
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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed authorities to shift the charging of electric buses to solar power. The decision was made during her visit to the Punjab Transport Company headquarters and the Electric Vehicle Command and Control Centre.
During the visit, she reviewed modern facilities, including an automated bus washing plant that recycles water and an advanced charging station. Officials briefed her that the current system can fully charge an electric bus in about 105 minutes using a 160-kilowatt charger. Maryam Nawaz emphasized that using solar energy for charging will make the system more sustainable and cost-effective in the long run.
The chief minister also instructed officials to expand the electric bus network and identify new routes, especially in areas where passengers face long waiting times. She asked for a clear timeline for adding 1,500 more buses to meet the growing demand for public transport.
Maryam Nawaz highlighted the importance of environmental benefits and directed departments to claim carbon credits under the Green Bus Project. She appreciated bus staff for helping women, children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, saying that electric buses are becoming popular due to their comfort and safety.
She further ordered that metro bus projects in Faisalabad and Gujranwala should be launched as soon as possible to provide better transport facilities to more citizens.
Punjab Transport Company CEO Kausar Khan shared that electric buses have already served over 15.5 million passengers across the province. A large number of women, students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities have benefited, with free travel provided to special groups.
Key Highlights at a Glance
| Area | Details |
|---|---|
| New Decision | ⭐ Electric buses to be charged using solar energy |
| Charging Time | ⭐ Full charge in 105 minutes |
| New Buses Planned | ⭐ 1,500 additional electric buses |
| Environmental Step | ⭐ Carbon credits under Green Bus Project |
| Passenger Reach | ⭐ 15.5 million people served so far |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Punjab shifting electric bus charging to solar energy?
Solar energy reduces electricity costs and helps protect the environment by cutting carbon emissions.
2. How long does it take to charge an electric bus?
An electric bus can be fully charged in about 105 minutes with the current fast-charging system.
3. Who benefits the most from electric buses?
Women, students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities benefit the most, with many enjoying free or safer travel.
4. Are more electric buses being added?
Yes, the government plans to add 1,500 more electric buses across Punjab.
5. Which cities will get new metro bus projects?
Metro bus projects in Faisalabad and Gujranwala are planned to start soon.
Conclusion
Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s decision to charge electric buses with solar energy marks an important step toward clean and affordable public transport in Punjab. With new buses, expanded routes, and eco-friendly planning, the initiative is expected to improve daily travel for millions while supporting a greener future for the province.
Rana Shahriyar is a dedicated content writer and contributor at 8171 Rashan Program. With a strong interest in social welfare programs and government initiatives, his work focuses on delivering clear, reliable, and easy to understand information for the public.