Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved a comprehensive five-year transport plan for Punjab, introducing the state-of-the-art Automated Rapid Transport (ART) system to enhance urban mobility.
Chairing a transport sector meeting via video link on Thursday, she directed officials to initiate a trial run of the ART system, which is already in use in countries like Malaysia, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar.
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Officials informed the CM that ART vehicles require less road space than conventional buses, making them a more efficient mode of transportation. Each ART bus, comprising three interconnected coaches, will be capable of carrying over 300 passengers.
The system will feature smart charging stations, allowing buses to recharge within minutes. Additionally, these buses will come equipped with Wi-Fi, surveillance cameras, and other modern amenities.
The transport project will be entirely solar-powered, reducing environmental impact. Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala have been selected for the initial phase of the rollout.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has launched an initiative to curb plastic pollution by establishing Plastic Licence Registration Desks in nine cities.
Online registration has begun for manufacturers, recyclers, and traders, aiming to make Punjab a zero-plastic province. The first phase will see registration desks opening in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Sialkot, followed by six more cities next month.