Pakistan's first trackless and solar-powered metro in South Asia!

For the first time in Pakistan, a trackless (lineless), ticketless and completely solar-powered state-of-the-art metro service has been launched on an experimental basis. This metro will run without any rail lines, on ordinary roads—but in terms of technology, it is as modern as a subway.

The name of this project, which started in Lahore, is Super Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (SRT). It is basically known as a 'subway on wheels'. Because it runs on ordinary roads, but provides services like a metro. The SRT system does not have a traditional rail line, but rather runs on a virtual track system—where GPS, digital mapping and advanced sensor technology are used.

This transport system is completely electric and battery-powered. It is currently running on a specific corridor adjacent to Lahore Airport on an experimental basis. The inauguration ceremony of this technology brought from China was attended by high-ranking officials of Pakistan and China.

An official of the Punjab Provincial Transport Department said, “This is not just a test drive, but a guideline for the future of our transport system.”

The project is part of the 5-year transport master plan approved by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Under her leadership, a plan has been taken to introduce Automated Rapid Transport (ART) system across the province. This technology will be introduced in 30 cities in the next 5 years.

Maryam Nawaz said, “This is not just a technological advancement, but a step towards establishing mobility fairness. It will remove inequality in our cities and play a role in improving the quality of life of the common man.”

The vehicles used in this trackless metro are not like ordinary trains or buses. These are multi-coach electric buses, which can carry 250-300 passengers per fleet. Since it does not require any elevated corridors or lines, it is possible to easily implement this technology even in small cities.

The service will be launched in Lahore, Faisalabad and Gujranwala in the first phase. The technology will be rolled out in 10 cities in each phase over the next four years.

Notably, each SRT fleet will be able to replace around 100 private cars, thereby reducing traffic congestion, noise and environmental pollution to a large extent. This is also considered a major step in environmental protection and sustainable urban development.

The current trial run will continue for a few more weeks, where engineers will collect performance data and passenger feedback. If all goes well, a full-fledged trackless metro service could be launched in Lahore by 2026.

In the next phase, there are plans to introduce this technology in other major cities including Karachi, Islamabad and Rawalpindi.