Punjab govt has decided to introduce electric tram service in Lahore. The idea was initiated after Punjab transport minister Jahanzeb Khan Khichi visited Czech Republic a couple of months ago and held meetings with some transport firms specialising in manufacturing and launching trams in various countries through joint ventures with other firms.
According to sources the project will be launched under public-private partnership (PPP) in a joint venture (JV) of two companies – one European and the other Chinese – and Punjab transport department.
The transport department and the JV have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of the tram service.
After detailed delebration it has been decided that in the first phase the tram service will be established on Canal Road from Thokar to Jallo. The new facility would comprise 30 sets of trams — each having two coaches. The service would have various stops keeping in view the requirement of passengers.
According to the MoU, the JV will work jointly with the LTC in order to improve public transport sector in Lahore. “With introduction of the tram service in Lahore, the traffic burden on the Canal Road will also reduce,” the minister claimed.
