Punjab rolls out subsidised e-taxi scheme with 1,100 vehicles, major government subsidy and special incentives for women to promote clean transport and employment.
By Our Correspondent
LAHORE Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday formally launched a province-wide subsidised e-taxi programme, terming it a significant milestone in building an integrated e-mobility ecosystem and creating new livelihood opportunities.
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Addressing the inauguration ceremony, she announced that around 1,100 electric taxis would be distributed at subsidised rates under the initiative. Thirty per cent of the vehicles have been allocated for women, a move aimed at encouraging greater female participation in the transport sector.
The chief minister said Punjab was the first province in the country to introduce such a scheme, noting that it would help curb environmental pollution while also generating employment.
Referring to the broader clean transport vision, she highlighted the ongoing green bus initiative and revealed plans to extend modern transport services to all 148 tehsils across Punjab.
Under the programme, the provincial government will extend a subsidy of up to Rs4 billion for the 1,100 vehicles. Out of the mandatory 30 per cent down payment, the government will pay 15 per cent, enabling applicants to acquire an e-taxi with an upfront payment of Rs690,000.
For women beneficiaries, the government will cover 60 per cent of the down payment, substantially lowering the financial requirement.
The chief minister expressed optimism that the electric taxis would begin operating on roads in Lahore and other districts within the next 48 hours.
In a separate statement, the Punjab Transport and Mass Transit Department described the scheme as a transformative step toward sustainable mobility, job creation and inclusive transport development in the province.
Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, E-Taxi Scheme, Electric Vehicles, Green Transport, Women Empowerment, Employment
