The Punjab Government in Pakistan has recently approved and initiated groundbreaking for new metro bus projects in Gujranwala, with plans for Faisalabad following closely behind. This move aims to enhance public transportation in these bustling industrial cities, addressing long-standing traffic congestion and promoting eco-friendly travel options.
Key Highlights
- Recent Approvals and Groundbreaking: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif performed the groundbreaking for the Gujranwala Mass Transit System on December 6, 2025, marking a significant step in expanding Punjab’s public transport network. The project, approved by PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, is part of a broader vision to modernize urban mobility.
- Project Details: The Gujranwala system features a 31.2-kilometer Yellow Line Corridor running on green energy, with 25 stations and 36 electric buses, expected to serve 51,000 passengers daily. Faisalabad’s metro is slated for launch in the coming days, continuing the momentum.
- Historical Context: These developments build on Punjab’s established metro bus legacy, starting with Lahore’s system in 2013, often linked to the Sharif family’s developmental initiatives.
- Potential Impacts: While promising relief from traffic and pollution, such projects have sparked discussions on funding priorities and urban planning in a resource-constrained environment.
Why This Matters
Expanding metro services to cities like Gujranwala and Faisalabad could significantly improve daily commutes for residents, especially workers in industrial hubs. Research suggests that well-implemented bus rapid transit (BRT) systems can reduce travel times by up to 50% and lower emissions, though success depends on integration with existing infrastructure. It’s worth noting that while these initiatives are celebrated by supporters as continuations of progressive policies, critics sometimes question their cost-effectiveness amid other pressing needs like healthcare.
Broader Implications
The approvals reflect a push toward sustainable urban development in Punjab, with electric buses emphasizing environmental goals. Evidence from earlier projects indicates mixed outcomes—benefits in accessibility but challenges in maintenance and ridership sustainability. Stakeholders seem optimistic, viewing this as a step toward equitable growth across the province.
In recent days, Pakistan’s Punjab province has witnessed a flurry of activity in its public transportation sector, with the government greenlighting expansions of its metro bus network to include Gujranwala and soon Faisalabad. This comes as part of an ongoing effort to tackle urban congestion, boost economic connectivity, and shift toward greener mobility solutions in one of the country’s most populous regions. The initiatives, spearheaded by key political figures, echo a long-standing tradition of infrastructure development that has defined Punjab’s transport landscape for over a decade.
The Roots of Punjab’s Metro Bus System
To fully appreciate these new approvals, it’s essential to trace the origins of the metro bus concept in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab. The story begins in the early 2010s, amid rapid urbanization and escalating traffic woes in major cities. The first major breakthrough came with the Lahore Metrobus, inaugurated on February 11, 2013. This 27-kilometer bus rapid transit (BRT) line, stretching from Gajumata to Shahdara Bagh, was a pioneering project in the country, featuring dedicated lanes, elevated sections, and modern stations to ensure efficient, high-capacity service.
Often credited to the vision of then-Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Lahore system was inspired by successful BRT models worldwide, such as those in Bogotá, Colombia, and Istanbul, Turkey. It aimed to provide affordable, reliable transport for a city of over 10 million, where public options were previously limited to overcrowded buses and rickshaws. The project was funded through a mix of provincial budgets and international loans, costing around PKR 30 billion at the time, and quickly became a symbol of modern governance under the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) administration.
Building on this success, the network expanded rapidly. In 2015, the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metrobus was launched, a 22.5-kilometer corridor connecting the twin cities and serving as Pakistan’s second BRT system. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, it featured 24 stations and was designed to handle up to 150,000 passengers daily, alleviating pressure on the busy Islamabad-Rawalpindi route. This was followed by the Multan Metrobus in 2017, an 18.5-kilometer line with 21 stations, constructed at a cost of PKR 28.8 billion and operational since January 24, 2017.
These early projects were not without controversy. Critics pointed to high costs, environmental disruptions during construction, and questions about long-term sustainability. However, proponents highlighted benefits like reduced travel times, lower air pollution from fewer private vehicles, and economic boosts through better workforce mobility. A 2020 study on Lahore’s system noted improved social equity, as it made commuting accessible for low-income groups, women, and students. The metro bus era also saw the introduction of related rail projects, like Lahore’s Orange Line Metro Train in 2020, a 27-kilometer elevated rail system built with Chinese collaboration, marking Pakistan’s first metro rail.
The Sharif family’s influence looms large in this history. Nawaz Sharif’s governments have consistently prioritized such infrastructure, viewing it as a legacy of development. Social media often buzzes with clips from past inaugurations, like a 2015 Al Jazeera report praising the system’s innovation. Even earlier roots can be traced to Punjab’s transport evolution, from 1920s horse-drawn services to petrol buses in the 1940s, but the modern BRT wave truly took off post-2010.
Details of the Recent Approvals
Fast-forward to 2025, and the momentum continues under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. On December 5, 2025, Nawaz Sharif approved the Gujranwala Mass Transit Project during a high-level meeting. The following day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif performed the groundbreaking, attended by federal ministers and local dignitaries.
The Gujranwala system, dubbed the Yellow Line Corridor, spans 31.2 kilometers from Aimenabad to Gakhar Mandi along the Grand Trunk (GT) Road. Budgeted at PKR 62.7 billion, it will operate entirely on green energy, featuring 25 bus stations (including one underground) and at least 36 electric articulated buses. Officials project completion within 12 months, aiming to serve 51,000 passengers daily and provide relief to commuters like students, laborers, and professionals.
Hot on its heels is the Faisalabad Metro, expected to launch in a few days after Gujranwala’s groundbreaking. Details are emerging, but it aligns with earlier October 2025 announcements to extend services to both cities, including adding 70 e-buses in Lahore and expansions to other districts. Social media posts from development-focused accounts highlight the eco-friendly aspects, with visuals of proposed routes and buses.
Potential Impacts and Challenges
These projects promise transformative effects. In industrial powerhouses like Faisalabad (textile hub) and Gujranwala (manufacturing center), improved transport could enhance productivity, reduce fuel costs for residents, and curb pollution—aligning with global sustainability goals. For instance, Lahore’s system has reportedly cut commute times and emissions, serving as a model.
However, challenges persist. Funding—drawn from provincial coffers and possibly loans—raises questions about debt burdens. Past projects faced delays, cost overruns, and maintenance issues. Environmental assessments during construction will be crucial to minimize disruptions. Public opinion, as seen on social media, is largely positive but includes calls for transparency and inclusivity, such as accommodations for the disabled.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Punjab’s Transport Vision 2030 envisions a networked system covering more districts, with features like Wi-Fi, CCTV, and free rides for vulnerable groups. Extensions to places like Nankana Sahib and Kasur are in the pipeline. If executed well, this could position Punjab as a leader in South Asian urban transport, fostering economic growth and quality of life improvements.
| Project | Length | Estimated Cost | Stations | Daily Passengers | Main Route / Corridor | Target Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gujranwala Yellow Line | 31.2 km | Rs 62.7 billion | 25 | 51,000 | Eminabad → Aziz Cross → Chand da Qila → Shaheenabad → DC Road → Model Town → Rahwali → Gakhar Mandi (along GT Road) | December 2026 |
| Faisalabad Metro Bus (Orange Line) | 20–30 km (Phase-I) | Rs 70 billion | 22 | TBD (expected high, thousands daily) | Faisal Town on Jaranwala Road → Clock Tower → Jhang Bazaar → Railway Station → Abdullahpur → Gattwala → Millat Road → Susan Road → University areas → Tahirpur on Jhang Road | End of 2025 (phased) |
| Lahore Orange Line | 27.1 km | Rs 413 billion (approx., USD 1.478 billion) | 26 | 140,000–250,000 (expected; actual avg. ~142,000) | Ali Town Terminal → Thokar Niaz Baig → Chauburji → Anarkali → Lahore Junction Railway Station → GT Road → Shalamar → Dera Gujran Terminal (paralleling Multan Road, Raiwind Road, and GT Road) | Operational (October 2020) |
| Lahore Green Line Metrobus | 28.7 km | Rs 29.65 billion | 27 | 180,000–220,000 | Gajjumata Terminal → Ferozepur Road → Mall Road → Ravi Road → Shahdara Terminal | Operational (February 2013) |
| Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metrobus | 83.6 km (with extensions) | Rs 60+ billion (original Rs 44.31 billion + extensions) | 52 (across lines) | 120,000+ (combined) | Saddar Rawalpindi → IJP Road → Pak Secretariat Islamabad (Red Line); extensions to Peshawar Morr → Islamabad Airport (Orange), PIMS → Gulberg (Blue), PIMS → Bhara Kahu (Green) | Operational (June 2015; extensions 2022) |
| Multan Metrobus | 18.5 km | Rs 29 billion | 21 | ~96,000 (expected; actual lower) | Bahauddin Zakariya University Terminal → Bahadarpur → Northern Bypass → Chungi 9 → Vehari Chowk → General Bus Stand → Shah Rukh-e-Alam → Kumharanwala Chowk Terminal | Operational (January 2017) |
This table compares the new projects with historical ones, illustrating the evolution in scale and sustainability focus.
In summary, these approvals not only extend a proven model but also adapt it to contemporary needs like climate action. As Punjab pushes forward, the true measure of success will be in delivering tangible benefits to everyday citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the Gujranwala Metro Bus start operating for the public?
The Punjab government has set an official target of December 2026, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz promising completion within 12 months of the groundbreaking (December 6, 2025). If the timeline is met, regular passenger service should begin by early 2027.
How much will a ticket cost on the Gujranwala and Faisalabad metro buses?
Exact fares are yet to be finalized, but both projects will follow the same subsidized model as Lahore’s Orange and Green Lines. Expect fares in the range of Rs20–50 depending on distance. Students, senior citizens, women (on pink buses), and persons with disabilities will continue to travel free or at heavy discounts.
Will the buses run on diesel or electricity?
Both the Gujranwala Yellow Line and the upcoming Faisalabad system will be 100% green-energy powered — a combination of electric buses charged through solar and grid electricity. No diesel buses will be used on the dedicated corridors.
What is the exact route of the Gujranwala Yellow Line?
The 31.2 km corridor runs entirely along the Grand Trunk (GT) Road: Aimenabad → Aziz Cross → Chand da Qila → Shaheenabad → Alam Chowk → DC Road → Model Town → Rahwali → Gakhar Mandi. It will have 28 elevated and at-grade stations.
Is Faisalabad really getting its metro bus this time, or is it just an announcement?
This time it’s official. During the Gujranwala groundbreaking ceremony on December 6, 2025, CM Maryam Nawaz explicitly stated that Faisalabad’s groundbreaking will take place “in the coming days.” The Rs70 billion project has already been approved, and route alignment surveys are complete. Construction contracts are expected to be awarded before the end of 2025.
