Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday led the trial run of Pakistan’s first urban electric train, the Super Autonomous Rapid Transit (SRT), marking a significant advancement in the province’s public transport infrastructure.
The test drive was held on the Ali Town to Muslim Town route, where the CM personally reviewed the SRT’s design, comfort features, and road performance. She was accompanied by Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar, who briefed her on the train’s cutting-edge technology and its integration into urban traffic systems.
The SRT, already operating in global cities like Abu Dhabi, Turkey, and China, drew public attention as it smoothly navigated alongside regular traffic on Raiwind Road and Canal Road. Citizens welcomed the initiative, expressing excitement over the arrival of a modern and eco-friendly transit system in Lahore.
Built by Norco International, the electric train features a three-car setup with capacity for 320 passengers. It can run up to 40 kilometres on a single charge and includes modern seating, air conditioning, and energy-efficient systems. Officials highlighted that its introduction will help ease traffic congestion and curb urban air pollution.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Maryam Nawaz said the launch of the SRT is part of a broader vision to modernise Punjab’s public transport. She noted that such developments reflect the province’s ongoing transformation, adding that similar projects are in the pipeline for Gujranwala and Faisalabad.
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