Punjab Budget 2025 Allocates Rs310 Billion for Transport Projects
The budget's emphasis on transportation infrastructure, including the metro bus services in Faisalabad and Gujranwala, and the Yellow Line train in Lahore, is expected to enhance connectivity and facilitate the movement of people and goods within the province. The allocation of Rs1,240 billion for development, the highest in history, underscores the government's commitment to driving growth and development in Punjab.
The Punjab government has allocated a substantial Rs310 billion for six mega transport projects in the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26, aiming to revolutionize the province's transportation infrastructure. Key projects include a 24km Yellow Line train in Lahore, 600 electric buses, and metro bus services in Faisalabad and Gujranwala.
The allocated budget will be utilized to fund several key projects, including the Yellow Line train in Lahore, which will cost Rs80 billion, and 600 electric buses along with 33 bus depots in other districts, estimated to cost Rs60 billion. Additionally, a Transport Command and Control Center will be established for modern traffic monitoring at a cost of Rs5.6 billion. The metro bus service in Faisalabad, valued at Rs120 billion, is expected to be completed by December 2026, while the metro bus service in Gujranwala, costing Rs30 billion, will be completed in the next financial year.
Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman presented a Rs5,335 billion budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, which has been termed a "zero-tax" budget. The budget reflects the development vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and aims to be people-friendly, with a focus on improving tax recovery rather than introducing new taxes. The Annual Development Programme (ADP) has seen a significant increase of 47% to Rs1,240 billion, while government operational expenses have risen by only 3%.
The allocation of Rs310 billion for transport projects and the overall budget of Rs5,335 billion for the fiscal year 2025-26 demonstrate the Punjab government's commitment to developing the province's infrastructure and improving the lives of its citizens. With a focus on effective utilization of provincial assets and successful projects in education, health, and social security, the budget is expected to have a positive impact on the province's development.