Lahore marked a milestone in sustainable transport on Tuesday with the launch of Pakistan’s first fully electric, trackless tram — the Super Autonomous Rapid Transit (Sart) system.
The cutting-edge service, powered by Virtual Track Technology, was unveiled during a successful test run, introducing a new era of clean, high-capacity urban mobility for the country, reports Gulf News.
The launch was led by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who boarded the sleek, zero-emission vehicle for its inaugural ride.
Travelling from Raiwind Road to Muslim Town, she monitored its performance in live traffic alongside Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar, reviewing technical details and stressing the project’s role in shaping future urban development.
“We are building a future where public transport is efficient, clean, and accessible to all, not just in big cities but in smaller ones, too,” said Maryam.
How it works
Built by Norinco International, the Sart tram can carry up to 320 passengers in three spacious compartments, with the option to add a fourth coach to raise capacity beyond 400.
A locally assembled alternate model will accommodate up to 250 passengers, depending on route and configuration. Interiors are fully air-conditioned, fitted with CCTV cameras, Wi-Fi, and smart display systems.
Unlike conventional trams or metro systems, Sart requires no fixed rails. Its Virtual Track Technology uses GPS, sensors, and digital mapping to guide the vehicle along regular roads.
This eliminates the high cost of rail infrastructure, making it ideal for cities with space constraints and heavy traffic.
A single charge enables up to 40km of travel, while fast-charging stations can add 27km of range in just 10 minutes.
Key capacity features
- Three to four coaches per vehicle
- Seating for over 100 passengers, with standing room for 200+
- Capacity range: 250–400 passengers
- Driver-assisted operation for added safety in Pakistan
Next steps
The Lahore trial is part of Punjab’s five-year transport modernization plan. Initially, the system will be introduced in Faisalabad and Gujranwala, followed by a rollout in 10 cities, eventually expanding to 30 cities within four years.
The pilot route in Lahore runs from Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura along Canal Road and is currently under review for traffic impact, operational performance, and public reception.
A demonstration for senior officials is scheduled at the Lahore Expo Centre in mid-August. The service will remain free during the trial phase, with ticket pricing introduced after full-scale deployment.
A global trend
Trackless trams have already been successfully implemented in China, Turkiye, and the UAE.
With Lahore’s adoption, Punjab takes a major step toward reducing congestion, cutting emissions, and making public transport more accessible across both major and mid-sized cities.