Muhammad Luqman

Lahore is poised to introduce electric trams to its roads, marking another significant milestone in the city’s expanding public transportation network, which already includes the Metro Bus, Orange Line Metro Train, Speedo feeder buses, and Electro Green buses.

The trackless trams, also known as the Super Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (SRT) system, will be introduced for the first time in a South Asian city. Internationally referred to as a “subway on wheels,” the SRT system employs Virtual Track Technology, relying on advanced sensors, GPS, and digital mapping instead of physical tracks.

The battery-powered, fully electric vehicle is part of a pilot project designed to evaluate the system’s potential to transform urban mobility in Pakistan. Initially, the electric trams in Lahore will be run by drivers, not though the autonomous mode to avert any eventuality. Trams are making a comeback in the country nearly five decades after their 90-year service ended in Karachi in 1975.

However, unlike the rail-based trams of the past, the new trams being introduced in Lahore are both electric and trackless. According to officials from the Punjab Transport Department, the first electric tram, imported from China, has already arrived in Lahore and is currently being assembled at the Ali Town Depot. Designed to operate without conventional rail infrastructure, the tram will initially run as part of a pilot project along Canal Road.

“The arrival of the trackless metro aligns with the Punjab Chief Minister’s newly approved five-year transport master plan, which aims to deploy an Automated Rapid Transit (ART) system in 30 cities across the province,” said Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan. He added that in the first phase, services will begin in Lahore, followed by Faisalabad and Gujranwala, with future expansions targeting a total of 30 cities over the next four years. Each phase is expected to cover 10 cities.

The SRT system will feature multi-coach buses capable of carrying 250 to 300 passengers each. Unlike traditional metro or BRT systems, the SRT/ART models require no expensive rail tracks or elevated corridors, enabling a faster and more cost-effective rollout across both major cities and smaller urban centres. Beyond technological innovation, the trackless metro supports key climate and urban equity goals.

Each vehicle has the potential to replace up to 100 cars, significantly reducing air pollution, noise, and traffic congestion. “Every city deserves a modern transport system. This initiative will bridge urban disparities and improve quality of life for millions,” said Minister Bilal Akbar.

According to urban transport experts, the introduction of electric trackless trams will position Lahore among a select group of global metropolitan cities offering modern and sustainable urban mobility. The SRT system combines the capacity and efficiency of a tram with the flexibility of a bus. However, some experts have raised concerns about cost-effectiveness. “A huge amount is being spent on a system that will only cover a small route.

The same investment could have brought in at least 500 hybrid or electric buses to better meet the needs of a city of 15 million people,” said Dr Nasir Javed, former chief executive officer of the Punjab Urban Unit. He suggested that electric trams could also be introduced in Karachi, provided both federal and provincial governments commit to the initiative.

Credit: INP-WealthPk