Punjab Province

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government is considering a new model for modern public transportation while exploring the revival of intercity railway routes to improve connectivity and provide better travel facilities across the province.
The details of Punjab’s upcoming public transport projects were shared during a special lecture delivered by Punjab Transport Secretary Imran Sikandar Baloch at Pakistan Railway Academy Walton.
The lecture was arranged on the invitation of Director General Pakistan Railway Academy Muhammad Hanif Gul, where the Transport Secretary briefed under training officers about the province’s ongoing and planned transport initiatives.
During the session, Imran Sikandar Baloch highlighted several major projects, including light rail, electric buses, bus tram services, underground transport corridors, Air Punjab and the restoration of intercity railway routes.
He said the proposed transport initiatives are aimed at improving mobility, strengthening connections between cities and introducing modern travel solutions for citizens.
The provincial government is reviewing different options to develop an efficient public transport network that can meet future transportation needs and reduce pressure on existing road infrastructure.
The possible revival of intercity railway services is also being considered to provide passengers with a reliable and affordable mode of transportation between different regions.
Officials said technical and operational aspects of these projects are being examined before further decisions are made.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Punjab Energy Minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar has directed the provincial energy department to accelerate the solarisation of public buildings, including schools, colleges and Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) hospitals, while improving electrical safety inspections across government institutions.
Chairing a departmental review meeting, the minister emphasized that energy security and electrical safety must move together, particularly in sensitive public facilities such as hospitals and educational buildings. He directed officials to strengthen inspection, monitoring and safety mechanisms for electrical systems to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure safer working environments.
The meeting reviewed progress on the Chief Minister Punjab Free Solar Panel Initiative, which is approaching completion with final verification activities currently underway. Officials also briefed the minister on the ongoing solarisation of public higher secondary schools, colleges and THQ hospitals, including updates on grid connectivity and electricity metering systems.
Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said the solarisation of public buildings would help reduce electricity expenses, promote renewable energy adoption and improve the long-term efficiency and sustainability of government facilities.
He directed officials to ensure that all solar energy projects meet high standards of quality, transparency, timely completion and operational effectiveness. The minister stressed that modern energy solutions should provide sustainable benefits while supporting better management of public resources.
The meeting also discussed the proposed establishment of an Energy Sector Policy and Implementation Unit (ESPIU) under the Energy Secretary. The proposed unit would focus on policy development, market analysis, tariff planning and strategies for Punjab’s transition toward a modern and sustainable energy sector.
Officials also reviewed proposals aimed at making the electrical licensing and regulatory framework more transparent, efficient and technology-based. Discussions included the involvement of licensed electrical contractors in commercial and industrial inspections, third-party technical audits and the establishment of an appeals mechanism.
Progress on several other initiatives, including Net Zero Energy Buildings, the Bio-fertilizer Plant, SAVE UP Punjab and the Garmala Block, was also reviewed during the meeting.
The energy minister directed officers to maintain transparency, quality, merit and timely execution across all departmental projects, saying that these initiatives would play an important role in modernising Punjab’s energy infrastructure and strengthening sustainable development across the province.

Sargodha : ReNews Pakistan
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a development package worth nearly PKR 1 billion for the construction, rehabilitation and improvement of major roads across Sargodha district, aimed at improving transportation infrastructure and strengthening connectivity between key urban and rural areas.
The approved projects have been initiated under the Own Source Revenue (OSR) initiative and include road upgrades, bridge rehabilitation and improvements to important market and link roads in Sargodha and Shahpur. The package consists of eight development schemes designed to improve road conditions, ease traffic flow and enhance access to commercial and residential areas.
Under the approved plan, several important roads in Sargodha city will undergo construction and rehabilitation work. These include Dairy Road, Azad Road, New Urdu Bazaar Road, Grain Market Road, Pilot School Road and Ara Market Road, with a combined estimated cost of approximately PKR 175.79 million.
The rehabilitation of the Khayam Chowk Overhead Bridge has also been approved as part of the package, with an estimated allocation of PKR 88.981 million. The project is expected to improve road safety and traffic movement around one of the city’s key junctions.
Another major scheme involves the rehabilitation of the connecting road from Johar Colony Road to Fatima Jinnah Road through Gillwala Railway Crossing and Haripurah Bridge, which has been approved at an estimated cost of PKR 228.674 million. The project will improve connectivity between important residential and commercial areas.
The provincial government has also approved rehabilitation work on the Shama Chowk–Stadium Gate Road and its link road to Cheema Heart Centre, with an estimated cost of PKR 164.645 million. The scheme aims to improve access to key public facilities and reduce travel difficulties for commuters.
Additional road improvement projects include the rehabilitation of Main Bazaar Bhagtanwala Road and the Lahore Road–Bhirowal–Kot Momin Link Road, with a combined estimated cost of around PKR 127.715 million.
In Shahpur, the Jail Road–Shahpur Saddar Road will be upgraded under a project costing approximately PKR 98.888 million, while the rehabilitation of Farooka Road to Sial Dhulaka Road has also been approved with an estimated allocation of PKR 56.684 million.
The approved development portfolio covers city roads, market-area routes, bridges and inter-district connections. Officials stated that these infrastructure improvements are part of broader efforts to enhance mobility, support economic activity and improve road networks across Sargodha district.