The provincial government of Punjab has approved a plan to provide 50,000 electric bikes and 5,000 e-taxis to students and unemployed youth on an interest-free basis.
The initiative, cleared for inclusion in the next financial year’s budget, aims to expand affordable, environment-friendly transport while generating employment for young people across Punjab.
Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan confirmed that eligible e-taxi beneficiaries would receive easy instalment plans and full interest-free financing under the approved government proposal.
The minister added that the government was also considering additional incentives for participants, including possible support covering vehicle registration costs under the new scheme.
Bilal said the initiative represented practical steps to bring young people into economic activity while promoting electric transport and reducing environmental pollution across the province.
Separately, Punjab’s government is reviewing whether to continue its free public transport facility, potentially linking its future to prevailing petroleum prices in the country.
A briefing presented to the Punjab chief minister indicated that the free transport facility could be withdrawn if petrol prices fall to Rs300 per litre.
A final decision on the matter is expected within coming weeks, with authorities also considering a proposal not to further extend the free travel programme.
According to figures shared in the briefing, more than 70 million passengers have used the free public transport facility over the past two months.
