Watch: Pakistan’s first trackless electric tram hits the road in Lahore
It can carry up to 400 passengers
DUBAI/LAHORE: Pakistan has launched its first fully electric, trackless tram system in Lahore, introducing the Super Autonomous Rapid Transit (SART) network to the country’s public transport landscape.
Powered by advanced virtual track technology, the service aims to deliver clean, efficient, and high-capacity mobility solutions without the need for conventional rail infrastructure.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz officially inaugurated the system during a successful test run from Raiwind Road to Muslim Town.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took a test ride on Pakistan’s first urban electric train and personally monitored the road test. pic.twitter.com/RpS50X7i5X
— PMLN (@pmln_org) August 6, 2025
The trial marked the first time a trackless tram operated in Pakistan’s urban traffic, with passengers and onlookers getting a first-hand look at its sleek design and advanced features.
What is SART?
Developed by Norinco International, the SART tram combines zero-emission technology with sensor-guided navigation to operate along standard roads. Virtual Track Technology, powered by GPS and digital mapping, enables precise movement without physical rails, reducing infrastructure costs and offering flexibility in route design.
The model tested in Lahore has three interconnected compartments, accommodating up to 320 passengers, with standing room for over 200 and seating for more than 100. An additional coach can be attached to raise capacity above 400 passengers. Another locally assembled version will cater for around 250 passengers, depending on configuration.
Air-conditioned interiors, CCTV surveillance, Wi-Fi connectivity, and smart passenger information displays are standard features, with driver-assisted operation for enhanced safety during the initial deployment phase.
How does the electric tram work?
The electric tram can travel up to 40 kilometres on a single charge, making it suitable for medium-range city routes. Rapid charging technology allows for up to 27 kilometres of range in just 10 minutes, enabling quick turnarounds during peak hours.
Pakistan’s first tram hits the road!
— PMLN (@pmln_org) August 7, 2025
Under the leadership of CM Maryam Nawaz, Punjab’s transport sector is evolving with modern, eco-friendly solutions, ushering in a new era of urban mobility.
Alhamdulillah, Punjab has stepped into a new age of speed and convenience. pic.twitter.com/RPrFVYhCHH
The Lahore pilot is designed to run from Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura along the Canal Road corridor — a 31-kilometre route that has been without public transport for seven years. The absence of buses or trains on this stretch had forced commuters to depend on motorcycle rickshaws, which contributed to rising traffic congestion and air pollution.
The SART service aims to reverse this trend, offering a smoother, quieter, and more environmentally friendly alternative.
What’s next for Punjab?
Following the Lahore trial, the Punjab government plans to expand the system to Faisalabad and Gujranwala in the first phase of its five-year transport modernisation strategy. The goal is to deploy SART in 10 cities initially, with expansion to 30 cities within the next four years.
A demonstration run for senior officials and transport experts is scheduled at the Lahore Expo Centre in mid-August, where performance data from the pilot will be presented. Passenger feedback, operational efficiency, and traffic impact will determine the scaling approach.
The SART system has already been successfully deployed in China, Turkey, and the UAE, making Lahore part of a growing list of cities adopting next-generation transit models. During the trial phase, rides will be free for the public, with fare structures to be determined before commercial launch.
Expanding green transport
Alongside the tram, Punjab is set to roll out a fleet of 1,100 electric buses, each offering travel for just 20 rupees — whether within the city or to other destinations. This will be the first initiative of its kind not only in Pakistan but across South Asia.
A fleet of 1,100 electric buses is being introduced, with a fare of just 20 rupees. Whether you’re traveling within the city or to another city, all you need is 20 rupees. It’s not only the first of its kind in Pakistan but also the first in all of South Asia a unique blend of a… pic.twitter.com/4fhAoqKHWW
— PMLN (@pmln_org) August 7, 2025
The buses feature a unique design blending elements of both trains and buses, aimed at providing high-capacity, affordable, and environmentally friendly transit options to a wider population.
Pakistan’s first bullet train
In April 2025, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced Pakistan’s inaugural bullet train project. The Lahore-to-Rawalpindi service, once operational, will reduce travel time between the two cities to just 2 hours and 20 minutes. Developed in collaboration with Pakistan Railways, the project is exploring public-private partnerships among its financing options.
Feasibility studies have also been commissioned for six additional high-speed corridors across Punjab, including routes from Lahore to Narowal via Shahdara, Lahore to Lodhran via Raiwind and Pakpattan, Sheikhupura to Shorkot, Shorkot to Sargodha via Jhang, Lala Musa to Sargodha via Mandi Bahauddin, and Faisalabad to Shahinabad through Chak Jhumra.
The bullet train initiative aims to modernise the province’s railway network, boost connectivity, and stimulate economic activity, complementing Punjab’s broader push for sustainable, high-efficiency public transport.