Electric Buses in Mianwali: Routes, Fares & Timings of Punjab’s New E-Bus Service
Imagine traveling across Mianwali in a bus that’s quiet, smoke-free, and costs only Rs. 20. That dream has now become reality with the electric buses launch in Mianwali. In September 2025, Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz officially started this modern service, giving the city a cleaner and smarter way to move around. At first, 15 electric buses have been added with four charging stations to keep them running smoothly. These buses aren’t just about transport — they bring comfort too, with WiFi, AC, CCTV, and ramps for special persons. The best part? Women, students, and senior citizens can ride for free. This eco-friendly project is a big step towards green travel, making daily journeys easier, safer, and pollution-free for Mianwali’s people.
In this article, we’ll unpack the scheme’s origin, the routes, fares, timings, infrastructure, challenges, and what this means for Mianwali’s citizens. Welcome aboard—let’s go on a ride into the future.
Also Read: Electric Buses in Faisalabad
Summary Table: Key Information at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Punjab E-Bus / Green Electric Bus Service |
| Launch Date | September 15–16, 2025 |
| Number of Buses in Mianwali | 15 |
| Charging Units at Terminal | 4 |
| Flat Fare | Rs. 20 |
| Free Ride Eligibility | Women, students, senior citizens, special persons |
| Key Routes | Daud Khel, Bin Hafiz Ji, Wan Bhachran (within Mianwali district) |
| Province-wide Target | 1,500 buses for Punjab |
| Features | AC, WiFi, automated ticketing, disabled-friendly, CCTV |
Why Mianwali First? The Vision Behind the Launch
Punjab’s Electric Bus Scheme – Big Picture
Punjab’s government has committed to modernizing public transport by introducing electric buses across multiple districts. The goal is cleaner air, lower running costs, and equitable mobility even in less-served areas. According to the Punjab Portal, 380 e-buses are earmarked for Lahore and Gujranwala by mid-2025, and the province aims to scale to 1,500 in total. Selecting Mianwali as a pilot district suggests a shift away from concentrating development only in big cities. The leadership wants to bring high-impact services to smaller towns too.
Launch Day Moments & Promises
When CM Maryam Nawaz boarded the bus at Ikram Shaheed Chowk and rode to the sports stadium, it wasn’t just symbolic — she pledged to extend this system across the province. She also declared that Punjab has already ordered 1,500 buses and received 200 so far. Officials confirmed Mianwali’s inaugural fleet of 15 buses has modern amenities including WiFi, air-conditioning, CCTV, ramps, and automated ticketing.
Also Read: Electric Buses Launch in DG Khan
Routes, Fares & Timings
Which Routes Will It Cover?
While exact route maps are still being rolled out, the initial set includes:
- Daud Khel
- Bin Hafiz Ji
- Wan Bhachran
These routes are within Mianwali district boundaries and meant to link neighborhoods, markets, and central hubs. As the scheme expands, more feeder routes or suburban linkages may be added.
Fares & Fare Waivers
The fare structure is simple and citizen-centric:
- Flat fare: Rs. 20 per ride for general passengers.
- Free rides for: Women, students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
This approach aims to make mobility inclusive and reduce financial stress on disadvantaged groups.
Also Read: Electric Buses In Pakpattan
What About Timings & Frequency?
As of the launch, public sources have not published a detailed timetable. Because these are city-level routes, one can reasonably expect services to begin early morning (~6 AM) and run until evening (~10 PM), with buses every 20–30 minutes during peak hours.
Speculative frequency table (subject to official confirmation):
| Time of Day | Suggested Interval |
|---|---|
| Morning Peak (7–9 AM) | 15–20 minutes |
| Midday | 25–30 minutes |
| Evening Peak (5–7 PM) | 15–20 minutes |
| Late Evening | 30–40 minutes |
Once official timetables are published, local bulletins, bus stops, or the Punjab E-Bus portal will carry them.
Infrastructure & Operations
Charging Stations & Energy Supply
One of the first infrastructure steps was installing four charging units at the Mianwali terminal. For sustainability, the energy supply will likely coordinate with the local electric utility (FESCO covers Mianwali) and provincial grid support. Given the limited fleet, load balancing and scheduling charging will be critical. The province may need to scale charging infrastructure as buses grow in number.
Bus Design & Features
Each bus comes loaded with:
- Air-conditioning
- WiFi connectivity
- Automated ticketing
- Ramps and space for people with disabilities
- CCTV cameras for security
- Distinct compartments for women (in some versions)
These features aim for comfort, safety, and ease of use.
Fleet Capacity & Expansion
For Punjab overall, the target is 1,500 electric buses. So far, 200 have reportedly been received and are being deployed. Mianwali’s share begins with 15, leaving ample room for expansion in phases.
Also Read: Electric Buses in Sahiwal
Benefits & Challenges: What Mianwali Can Expect
Potential Upsides
- Cleaner air & lower emissions — especially relevant in summer months or polluting traffic zones.
- Reduced operating cost — electric motors cost less per km versus diesel.
- Social equity — free fares for vulnerable groups increase access.
- Modern public image — boost civic pride and confidence in government services.
Foreseeable Challenges
- Grid load & power outages may affect charging reliability.
- Maintenance & spare parts for a new fleet may initially lag.
- Route optimization — ensuring buses run full or near-full to justify cost.
- Public awareness & acceptance — people need to trust schedules and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the cost (fare) for riding the electric bus in Mianwali?
The fare is a flat Rs. 20 for general passengers. Women, students, senior citizens, and special persons may ride free under subsidy rules.
Which routes does the electric bus service cover in Mianwali?
It includes local district routes such as Daud Khel, Bin Hafiz Ji, and Wan Bhachran to connect key neighborhoods and hubs.
When did the electric buses launch in Mianwali?
The service was inaugurated in mid-September 2025 — officially on September 15 and 16.
How many e-buses are operating now in Mianwali?
At launch, 15 buses were put into service.
Will there be free rides and for whom?
Yes — women, students, senior citizens, and differently-abled persons are eligible for free travel under the scheme.
Where are the charging stations located?
Four charging units have been installed at the main bus terminal in Mianwali.
Final Thoughts
The electric buses launch in Mianwali is more than just a transit upgrade — it’s a statement: that smaller cities deserve clean, modern, affordable transport too. With an accessible fare of Rs. 20, free rides for vulnerable groups, and high-tech features, Mianwali’s streets may soon hum not with diesel, but with quiet electric progress.
There are hurdles ahead — from infrastructure to public trust — but the province seems serious. If managed well, this scheme could redefine mobility in Punjab and set standards for Pakistan’s urban future.
