Punjab approves Gujranwala mass transit project with 31.5km network and underground sections

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Saturday approved the design of the Gujranwala Mass Transit System, a large-scale urban mobility project aimed at transforming public transport in the city.

The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by the chief minister, where officials gave a detailed briefing on the project’s scope, structure and implementation plan.

The proposed transit system will span 31.5 kilometres from Gakhar to Aimanabad and is designed to carry up to 2.6 million passengers in Gujranwala. Authorities have set a completion timeline of 12 months for the project.

Officials said the network will include 24 stations, with two underground stations planned as part of the route. In-principle approval has also been granted for 17 to 19 kilometres of the line to run underground, while two tunnel sections will be constructed to improve traffic flow.

To improve connectivity, the chief minister directed that feeder buses be integrated so that all areas of Gujranwala are linked to the metro system.

The project also includes infrastructure development components, with depots planned at Gharjakh, Chand Da Qila and Gondlanwala. A 62-kilometre drainage system will be constructed along both sides of the transit corridor, while a dedicated command and control centre will also be established.

In addition, it was decided that solar systems will be installed at every station and depot to support energy efficiency.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the project would modernise the city’s transport system and provide residents with a more efficient and organised commuting network.