Lahore Electric Tram route unveiled as contract process completed

LAHORE – Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar has said that the contract process for Lahore’s first electric tram project has been completed and the procurement phase is currently underway. Speaking to the media, the minister stated that residents will see electric trams operating on Lahore’s roads in the upcoming fiscal year. He added that earlier plans to develop a full metro system for the project have been postponed for now. Bilal Akbar further clarified that no trees will be cut for the construction or operation of the electric tram system, addressing environmental concerns linked to the project. Lahore Tram Routes The transport minister said the proposed route for the tram will start from the Central Business District (CBD) and pass through Jail Road and Mall Road, ending at Istanbul Chowk. The minister emphasized that the project is moving forward in line with planning and procurement procedures, and is expected to improve urban transport options in the city once operational. Earlier this month, the Punjab government has withdrawn the short-term free public transport scheme as of June 13, 2026, restoring regular fares across major transit services. Under the updated arrangement, passengers will once again pay standard ticket prices on the Orange Line Train, Metro Bus, Speedo Bus, and Green Electric Bus networks. Normal fare collection has been reactivated at all stations. The free travel facility had been introduced in April as a temporary relief measure to ease financial pressure on citizens amid rising living costs and fuel prices. With the expiry of the support period, the subsidy-based service has now ended and routine fare operations have resumed.