LAHORE: The Punjab government has approved a proposal to provide 50,000 electric bikes and 5,000 electric taxis on an interest-free basis in the upcoming provincial budget, aiming to support students and unemployed youth while promoting environmentally friendly transport.
According to officials, the proposal has been cleared for inclusion in the next fiscal year’s budget and will be launched across Punjab through easy installment plans without any interest charges. The scheme is designed to improve access to affordable mobility and generate new employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
Under the initiative, eligible beneficiaries will be able to acquire electric vehicles through government-backed financing, reducing upfront costs and easing the financial burden on students and job seekers.
Bilal Akbar Khan, the Punjab Transport Minister, said the government is also considering additional incentives for participants. These include possible assistance with vehicle registration fees and related costs.
“The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to empowering young people and increasing their participation in economic activities,” the minister said, according to a briefing shared with the media.
He added that the e-bike and e-taxi schemes would help thousands of young people secure better employment opportunities, particularly in urban centres, while encouraging the shift towards electric mobility to reduce fuel consumption and environmental pollution across Punjab.
The development comes as the provincial government reviews its broader public transport policies ahead of the announcement of the new budget. Authorities are simultaneously evaluating the future of the province’s free public transport programme, which was introduced to provide relief amid rising fuel prices.
According to officials, a briefing presented to the chief minister suggested linking the continuation of the free transport facility to fuel price levels. Under the proposal, the service could be withdrawn if petrol prices fall to Rs300 per litre.
Officials are also considering a separate proposal not to extend the free travel programme beyond its current phase. A final decision on both matters is expected in the coming weeks as budget preparations near completion.
Figures shared during the briefing revealed that more than 70 million passengers have benefited from the free public transport facility over the past two months, underscoring its widespread use and financial impact on the provincial exchequer.
The upcoming budget is expected to outline how the government plans to balance youth-focused incentives, environmental goals, and long-term transport sustainability across Punjab.
