The city of Lahore has started trial runs of the Super Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (SRT) System, a high-tech trackless metro that mimics the efficiency of a subway but operates entirely on roads.
This pilot project introduces Virtual Track Technology, a digital navigation system that eliminates the need for traditional rail infrastructure, potentially reducing construction costs and implementation time. The technology has already been adopted in several Chinese cities and is operational in Malaysia, the UAE, and Türkiye. First launched in Jiangsu, China, in 2021, the SRT has also received the Zhan Tianyou Award, recognizing its engineering innovation.
In Lahore, the imported SRT vehicle is being used as a demonstration model to evaluate feasibility for local conditions. Urban transport planners are closely observing its functionality before making any decision on a full-scale rollout.
While there is no confirmed launch date, the trial highlights Lahore’s efforts to explore cost-effective and sustainable alternatives to traditional mass transit systems.