Pakistan unveils innovative metro system in Lahore

July 22,2025 (MLN): Pakistan is set to launch its first trackless, ticketless, and solar-powered metro system in Lahore, marking a significant step forward in the country’s urban transportation landscape.

The city has received its first demonstration vehicle of the Super Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (SRT) System, a cutting-edge transport innovation described as a “subway on wheels.”

Unlike traditional metros, the SRT runs on regular roads and relies on Virtual Track Technology, eliminating the need for physical rails.

The system utilizes sensors, GPS, and digital mapping to navigate its routes, offering a modern solution without the burden of heavy infrastructure.

A pilot project has been initiated near Lahore Airport to test the battery-powered electric vehicle, with officials from both Pakistan and China attending the launch ceremony.

Unlike conventional metro systems, the SRT offers a high-capacity yet infrastructure-light solution, making it a cost-effective option for densely populated urban areas, as per the press release issued.

Successful models of the system are already operational in countries such as China, Malaysia, the UAE, and Turkey, demonstrating its potential for broader adoption across Pakistan’s cities.

As Lahore advances with this innovative transit initiative, other cities continue to grapple with delays. In Karachi, Sindh’s senior minister Sharjeel Inam Memon acknowledged ongoing setbacks in the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, attributing the delays to utility relocation issues.

He also addressed public frustration over prolonged traffic disruptions, noting that citizens' criticism was justified due to the inconvenience.

With the smooth rollout of the SRT in Lahore, a new benchmark may be set for future mass transit projects nationwide—particularly those seeking to deliver efficient service with minimal infrastructure demands.

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