Trackless Chinese SRT Metro Arrives in Lahore
China’s super autonomous rapid transit (SRT) metro is about to debut on Lahore’s roads, signalling a major leap in modern transport collaboration between Pakistan and China. Imported by NORINCO International on July 21, 2025, the trackless and battery-powered electric vehicle is poised for a trial run following its display at Lahore Expo in mid-August. Proposed routes include Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura and Gulberg, catering to some of the busiest areas in Punjab’s capital.
This innovative transit solution is a hallmark of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s recently approved five-year master plan to modernise transport in 30 cities across the province. The SRT, dubbed as “trackless, ticketless, and battery-powered,” exemplifies a flexible and sustainable approach to mass transit. Already functional in cities like Dubai, it offers a proven alternative to traditional bus and metro systems.
NORINCO International is no stranger to Pakistan’s transport scene, having previously launched and managed the Orange Line Metro Rail Transit System in Lahore—Pakistan’s first electric rail project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), completed in October 2020.
What sets the SRT apart is its Virtual Track Technology, which uses advanced sensors, GPS, and digital mapping rather than physical tracks. The sleek 30-meter-long electric bus, equipped with dual engines, can hit speeds up to 100 km/h and manoeuvre within tight 15-meter turning radii. As a solar-powered system, it promotes both smart city development and environmental sustainability.
The ART (Automated Rapid Transport) system—mirroring the SRT design—is envisioned to revolutionise mobility by using large-capacity, multi-coach electric vehicles that can transport up to 300 passengers without the infrastructural demands of traditional metro lines. This pilot initiative represents a strategic move towards equitable, efficient, and green transport infrastructure in Punjab.