The Punjab authorities have scrapped their international tender for electric bus imports and could now procure the buses through direct contracting, according to a private news channel, citing sources.
The decision was made all through a recent cabinet meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. During the meeting, it was decided that, in preference to relying on global manufacturers, the buses will now be produced locally.
A production facility is being set up in Faisalabad, and the provincial and federal governments have reportedly finalized the vital preparations. To begin with, a few parts will be imported; however, the goal is to manufacture entire electric buses in Pakistan in the long term.
The move is expected to store foreign exchange and create new job opportunities throughout the province. To achieve excellent requirements, the government will be searching for technical assistance from a prominent international company.
Read more: Balochistan adds 21 new buses for Quetta, Turbat, including four pink buses for women
A production facility is being set up in Faisalabad, and the provincial and federal governments have reportedly finalized the essential arrangements. Initially, some parts can be imported, but the purpose is to manufacture complete electric buses in Pakistan in the long term.
The move is anticipated to keep foreign exchange and create new process possibilities across the province. To maintain the best standards, the government will seek technical assistance from a prominent international business enterprise.
The provincial government has set a deadline for September this year to start deploying the new buses. It’s worth noting that 27 electric buses from the Chinese company Yutong have already been imported for Lahore and are presently operating successfully in the city.