The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has put forward an ambitious and transformative urban transportation initiative: The Gulberg Tram Network Project. This forward-looking project aims to redefine public transportation in Lahore’s bustling commercial and lifestyle hub, Gulberg, by easing traffic congestion, improving connectivity, and introducing a modern, sustainable tram system.
A Route Designed for Urban Flow
The proposed 8.2-kilometer tram route starts and ends at Kalma Chowk, strategically passing through some of the busiest and most iconic areas of the city including Liberty Market, Gaddafi Stadium, Gulberg Main Boulevard, Main Market Roundabout, MM Alam Road, and Noor Jehan Road. These areas are major commercial and recreational centers, and connecting them with a streamlined tram service promises to significantly reduce travel times and traffic bottlenecks.
Comprehensive Planning and Scope
The project is more than just laying down tracks. It involves a detailed reconnaissance survey, route selection, traffic studies, geotechnical investigations, and environmental impact assessments. This comprehensive approach ensures that the project not only meets immediate transport needs but also aligns with long-term urban sustainability goals.
Rigorous Feasibility and Demand Analysis
The LDA is adopting a phased approach, beginning with pre-feasibility studies and moving toward detailed feasibility assessments. These will include:
Demand analysis to gauge public usage and benefits
Technical and financial feasibility
Environmental and social impact evaluations
Public consultations to ensure transparency and community inclusion
Investment and Infrastructure
The cost of the Gulberg Tram Network Project is estimated between Rs 18 billion to Rs 25 billion, reflecting the scale of infrastructure development and advanced transport systems involved. A key feature includes the establishment of a parking station/yard near Gaddafi Stadium, providing essential operational support for the tram network.
A Glimpse Into the Future
Once implemented, this project will mark the return of tram services to Lahore after decades, while aligning with global best practices in smart city mobility. It supports the growing need for eco-friendly transportation solutions and aims to reduce the heavy reliance on private vehicles in one of Lahore’s most congested districts.
IRTCoP Welcomes the Initiative
In response to the announcement of the Gulberg Tram Network Project, the International Road Transport Chamber of Pakistan (IRTCoP) has expressed strong support for this visionary initiative. In a recent statement, the chamber lauded the LDA’s forward-thinking approach to urban mobility, emphasizing the tram network’s potential to relieve pressure on Lahore’s road infrastructure, enhance the efficiency of public transport, and serve as a model for other cities across Pakistan.
The IRTCoP further stated that such projects are essential for aligning Pakistan’s transport infrastructure with international standards and sustainable development goals. The chamber offered its technical assistance and policy guidance to ensure the successful implementation of the project, calling it a “milestone for Pakistan’s transportation future.”
The Gulberg Tram Network Project is not just an infrastructure upgrade—it is a strategic leap into the future of urban transportation. By reducing congestion, promoting sustainability, and boosting accessibility, the project is poised to change how Lahore moves. With broad-based support from institutions like the IRTCoP, the path ahead for the city’s tram revival is not just clear—but promising.
