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The Punjab government has entered the decisive stage of its first electric taxi (e-taxi) scheme, with officials confirming that electronic balloting will soon be held to select successful applicants. The announcement was made during a high-level steering committee meeting chaired by Provincial Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan, marking a major step toward launching Punjab’s green transport fleet.
Officials said the scheme has received an overwhelming response, with more than 66,000 initial registrations and over 28,000 applications successfully completed and currently under verification. The programme is backed by a Rs3.5 billion government subsidy and aims to modernise urban transport while reducing pollution through electric vehicles sourced from China.
Calling the project a milestone, Minister Bilal Akbar Khan said,
“This initiative is not just about cleaner transport; it is about economic empowerment, particularly for youth and women. The government wants to make this a model project for the entire country.”
Under the pilot phase, 1,100 electric taxis will be distributed. Of these, 700 vehicles are allocated to fleet owners, while 400 units are reserved for individual operators, including 100 slots exclusively for women. The government will offer five-year interest-free financing, absorbing the full interest cost of the loans.
Applicants are required to contribute equity, but the government will cover 50 percent for men and 60 percent for women, while fleet operators will receive a subsidy ranging between 30 and 40 percent. The Bank of Punjab is currently vetting applicants to ensure transparency and financial compliance.
Once balloting is completed, successful candidates will be asked to submit down payments. Officials estimate that the first e-taxis will be operational within three to four months. Each vehicle will feature real-time tracking, a panic button, and a six-year or 300,000-kilometre warranty on battery and motor.
The government will also waive 100 percent registration fees and initial token tax, while expanding EV charging infrastructure across major cities.
