The Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has inaugurated an electric bus service in Multan, with 45 buses set to operate in the first phase of the project.
CM Punjab travelled by electric bus from a newly established e-bus stop at Agro Mall on Shujaabad Road to the launch ceremony at Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture on Thursday.
Crowds gathered along Old Shujaabad Road to welcome the chief minister, with residents, students and children seen carrying flowers and pictures. Rose petals were also thrown towards her vehicle.
The chief minister formally launched the project during a digital ceremony. Provincial Transport Minister Bilal Akbar briefed attendees on the service and its planned routes.
In the first phase, 45 electric buses will operate in Multan. The buses will run from Vehari Chowk to Nishtar Hospital, from Ghanta Ghar to Ibn-e-Sina Hospital, and from Dera Adda via DHA and Women University to the E-Khidmat Centre.
An electric bus service will also operate from Chowngi No. 9 to Nag Shah-NADRA Abad Railway Crossing. Electric bus services will be available from Vehari Chowk to Qasim Bela and from Ghanta Ghar to Qadirpur Raan.
Officials said 160 electric buses are planned for different cities and areas of Multan Division during the first phase. The total number is expected to reach 205 buses once the project is fully implemented.
