Lahore has officially stepped into the future of urban mobility with the arrival of its first-ever Super Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (SRT) vehicle — commonly called a trackless metro.
Often described as a “subway on wheels,” this futuristic transport option doesn’t need physical tracks to run. Instead, it glides along virtual paths guided by advanced sensors and digital technology.
The vehicle made its public appearance this month as part of a trial demonstration aimed at assessing whether the SRT system could be integrated into Lahore’s growing public transport network. For now, it’s not a permanent service but an experiment to see if Pakistan’s infrastructure and road conditions can accommodate this cutting-edge technology.
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What Makes the SRT Special?
The SRT system runs on Virtual Track Technology, a digitally guided system that permits the vehicle to follow pre-programmed routes with precision — without the requirement for traditional railway lines.
It combines the capacity of a metro train with the flexibility of a bus, making it a cost-effective and space-saving solution for cities like Lahore, where expanding physical rail networks is often challenging.
Originally launched in China’s Jiangsu Province in 2021, the SRT has already been deployed in China, Malaysia, Türkiye, and the UAE. It has also earned the Zhan Tianyou Award, one of the most prestigious honors from the China Civil Engineering Society, depicting its innovation and reliability.
A Glimpse of the Future
While the government hasn’t confirmed if or when Lahore is going to adopt the system permanently, the trial is marking an enthralling shift in how urban transport could evolve in Pakistan. With growing traffic congestion and a rising population, cities like Lahore urgently are in strong need of smarter, cleaner, and more efficient ways to move people.
Masses who caught a glimpse of the sleek, train-like vehicle during the demo described it as something out of a sci-fi film — modern, quiet, and surprisingly nimble.
Whether or not the SRT becomes a permanent fixture, its arrival is depicting that Lahore is ready to explore latest new ideas in public transport — and perhaps, open the paths for a more connected future.