Punjab Announces Interest-Free E-Bike and E-Taxi Scheme for Youth
The Punjab government has approved a new initiative to provide electric mobility support to young people, including 50,000 electric bikes and 5,000 electric taxis on an interest-free basis in the upcoming provincial budget.
The scheme is aimed at students and unemployed youth, with the objective of improving access to affordable transport while also creating employment opportunities and promoting environmentally friendly travel options.
Officials said the proposal has been cleared for inclusion in the next fiscal year’s budget. Under the plan, eligible individuals will be able to obtain electric vehicles through easy installment plans and interest-free financing.
Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan said the government is also considering additional support measures, including assistance with vehicle registration costs for beneficiaries.
He added that the initiative reflects efforts to empower young people and encourage their participation in economic activities while promoting electric mobility across the province.
According to officials, the e-bike and e-taxi programs are expected to generate new job opportunities and help reduce environmental pollution through the wider use of electric vehicles.
The development comes as the provincial government reviews its public transport policies ahead of the upcoming budget. Authorities are also assessing the future of the free public transport program in the province.
A briefing presented to the chief minister suggested that the continuation of free travel facilities could be linked to fuel prices, with a proposal under consideration to revise or discontinue the service if petrol prices reach a certain threshold.
Officials also indicated that a final decision regarding public transport subsidies and related schemes will be made in the coming weeks during budget deliberations.
According to briefing data, more than 70 million passengers have used the free public transport facility over the past two months, highlighting strong public demand for affordable travel options.
