Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif launched the test run of Pakistan’s first electric train Lahore, marking a major step toward sustainable urban transport. The new Super Autonomous Rapid Transit (SART) system made its trial journey from Ali Town to Muslim Town, drawing excitement from residents and signaling a shift toward eco-friendly travel in one of Pakistan’s busiest cities.
Maryam personally oversaw the trial and inspected the system’s onboard features and performance in real-time traffic.
Test Ride Signals Start of a Green Revolution
Chief Minister Maryam boarded the train to assess passenger experience, technological performance, and safety standards. The sleek, air-conditioned train smoothly navigated mixed-traffic zones, maintaining its schedule without delays. Transport Minister Bilal Akbar provided a detailed briefing on the project, explaining its design, capabilities, and future scope.
Maryam expressed satisfaction over the train’s trial run and praised the project team for delivering a state-of-the-art solution for Lahore’s transport woes.
International Tech, Local Needs
The SART system is manufactured by Norinco International, a firm with experience in electric transit across Asia and the Middle East. Already operational in countries like China, Turkiye, and the UAE, this model has now reached Pakistan’s urban landscape.
Each SART train comprises three coaches, with the potential to expand to four. It can carry up to 320 passengers at a time and travel nearly 40 kilometers on a single electric charge. It features air-conditioning, ergonomic seating, and modern safety tools to meet international standards.
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Public Response and Route Excitement
Residents along Raiwind Road and Canal Road turned out to watch the sleek new train pass through their neighborhoods. Many waved and recorded videos, excited by the modern addition to their city. The route, selected for high commuter traffic and congestion, saw improved flow even during the trial.
People shared their optimism, noting that the SART will not only reduce pollution but also save time during daily commutes.
Green Vision for Punjab
Addressing media during the test ride, Maryam Nawaz emphasized that SART will help reduce air pollution, minimize traffic bottlenecks, and offer Lahoris a modern travel alternative. She added that SART represents more than a transit project—it’s part of a broader plan to modernize Punjab’s infrastructure.
“Every day brings a new step forward for Punjab’s people,” she said. “We are delivering projects that improve lives, clean the environment, and support smart city goals.”
Maryam also announced similar projects are being planned for Gujranwala and Faisalabad, signaling a province-wide transformation in urban mobility.
Part of a Bigger Transport Strategy
The electric train is a key element in Punjab’s evolving transport ecosystem. Authorities believe SART will reduce reliance on private vehicles, cut carbon emissions, and set new standards for public transit. This aligns with broader goals to curb smog in Lahore and make cities more liveable.
Officials noted that future extensions will link the SART with other forms of public transport, such as buses and feeder systems, to build a fully integrated network.
Leadership and Planning
Maryam Nawaz’s presence during the test run reflects her personal involvement in infrastructure reforms. Since taking office, she has prioritized environment-friendly projects and placed transport modernization high on the provincial agenda.
Her leadership style—hands-on and focused on visibility—has helped her build public trust and political momentum for ambitious initiatives like SART.
Challenges Ahead but Optimism Prevails
While the trial run succeeded, officials acknowledge that challenges remain. Integrating the system into daily life, training operators, and ensuring affordable access for all commuters will require focused effort. However, the government seems confident in its roadmap.
With plans for scaling the system and replicating it in other cities, SART’s launch could mark the beginning of a nationwide electric transit movement.
As Punjab takes this historic step forward, the electric train offers a symbol of modern governance and environmental responsibility—two key pillars in shaping the future of Pakistan’s urban centers.
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