The Punjab government is moving forward with the procurement of electric buses for Faisalabad and Bahawalpur, following the initial rollout in Lahore. This initiative aims to address significant transportation issues in these cities, including traffic congestion and environmental concerns related to air quality.
Key Details of the Initiative
- Meeting Scheduled: A meeting of the Punjab Transport Company (PTC) is set for December 30, where authorities will discuss the procurement process and allow prequalified firms to participate in international competitive bidding under Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) guidelines.
- Prequalification Process: The deadline for bidders to submit their prequalification documents was December 20. The PTC is currently reviewing these documents, with expectations to finalize the prequalification soon.
- Project Goals: The project is designed to enhance public transportation quality and promote sustainable economic development by introducing pure electric buses. This is part of a broader strategy to improve environmental conditions in Punjab’s major cities, including Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, and Bahawalpur.
Financial Aspects
- Investment: The Provincial Development Working Party has approved an investment of approximately Rs. 43 billion for the introduction of eco-friendly buses across five major cities in Punjab. This investment reflects a commitment to reducing air pollution and enhancing public transport systems.
- Bus Distribution: The plan includes deploying 680 electric buses, with specific allocations of 300 for Lahore, 100 for Multan, 110 for Faisalabad, and 42 for Bahawalpur. This distribution aims to ensure that each city can significantly benefit from improved public transport options.
Environmental Impact
The introduction of electric buses is expected to alleviate some of the environmental challenges faced by these urban areas. By replacing traditional diesel buses with electric alternatives, the initiative aims to reduce emissions and improve air quality, contributing positively to public health and urban living conditions.
This initiative marks a significant step toward modernizing public transport in Punjab while addressing critical environmental issues. The upcoming meeting on December 30 will be crucial for advancing this project further.