Introduction to the Punjab E-Taxi Scheme
The Punjab E-Taxi Scheme is a major step by the Government of Punjab to promote eco-friendly transportation and reduce urban pollution. This initiative aims to introduce electric taxis as a cleaner alternative to conventional fuel-based vehicles, especially in heavily populated cities like Lahore. By encouraging e-mobility, the government is working toward sustainable urban transport and lower carbon emissions.
Provincial Minister for Transport and Mass Transit, Bilal Akbar Khan, chaired the steering committee meeting to review the scheme. This meeting marked the third official review of the project’s progress, showing the government’s strong commitment to ensuring transparency, efficiency, and timely implementation of this green mobility initiative.
- First large-scale electric taxi project in Punjab
- Focus on environmental protection and clean energy
- Strong government oversight and planning
Steering Committee Review and Project Status
During the steering committee meeting, officials shared updates on the first phase of the Punjab E-Taxi Scheme. Officials confirmed that authorities have allocated 1,100 electric vehicles for this pilot phase. They will distribute these vehicles through a structured process to ensure fair access and effective use in urban transport networks.
Authorities also informed the committee that the project has gained significant public attention. With over 22,000 applications received, the scheme has clearly resonated with drivers and fleet operators. Application scrutiny and approvals are currently underway to select eligible participants.
- Third steering committee session held
- 1,100 electric vehicles approved in Phase One
- Application verification in progress
Scheme Overview and Financial Structure
The Punjab government designed the E-Taxi Scheme as a pilot project and initially launched it in District Lahore. The goal is to make electric vehicle ownership easier through interest-free loans spread over five years. The Government of Punjab is also offering free vehicle registration, reducing upfront costs for applicants.
This financial support structure ensures that drivers and fleet owners can adopt electric taxis without facing heavy financial pressure. Equity contribution and installment-based repayment make the scheme accessible to a wider group of participants.
- Interest-free loan for five years
- Free vehicle registration by the government
- The pilot phase focused on Lahore
Table 1: Punjab E-Taxi Scheme Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total E-Taxis | 1,100 |
| Project Type | Pilot Project |
| Loan Duration | 5 Years |
| Registration Fee | Free |
| Initial City | Lahore |
Allocation for Fleet Owners and Individuals
Under the Punjab E-Taxi Scheme, authorities allocate most vehicles to fleet owners to ensure a large-scale impact. Authorities reserve 1,000 electric taxis for fleet operators, requiring them to own at least 10 e-taxis and register with Transport Network Companies for operations.
For individual drivers, 100 electric taxis are allocate. This category includes a special focus on gender inclusion, with 70 taxis reserved for male drivers and 30 for female drivers. This approach supports diversity and equal opportunity in the transport sector.
- 1,000 E-Taxis for fleet owners
- 100 E-Taxis for individuals
- Special quota for women drivers
Table 2: Allocation Breakdown
| Category | Number of E-Taxis |
|---|---|
| Fleet Owners | 1,000 |
| Individuals (Male) | 70 |
| Individuals (Female) | 30 |
| Total | 1,100 |
Employment Creation and Expansion Plans
One of the key objectives of the Punjab E-Taxi Scheme is job creation. The project is expected to create employment opportunities for drivers, technicians, and fleet managers. Authorities are also placing special emphasis on encouraging women to enter the transport sector, which has traditionally been male-dominated.
Due to the high number of applications and public interest, authorities have confirmed plans to expand the scheme to additional cities across Punjab. This expansion will further strengthen the electric vehicle ecosystem and support economic growth.
• Job opportunities for drivers and fleet operators
• Increased participation of women
• Expansion to more cities planned
Incentives, Subsidies, and Smart Features
The Government of Punjab has allocated a subsidy of Rs. 3.5 billion for the Punjab E-Taxi Scheme. This financial backing helps reduce vehicle costs and supports infrastructure development, including EV charging stations at key urban locations.
The scheme also includes smart monitoring and tracking systems to ensure efficient fleet management. These features improve safety, performance monitoring, and service quality, making electric taxis a reliable option for urban travel.
- • Rs. 3.5 billion government subsidy
- • EV charging stations at strategic locations
- • Smart monitoring and tracking systems
FAQs
What is the Punjab E-Taxi Scheme?
The Punjab E-Taxi Scheme is a government initiative to introduce electric taxis and promote eco-friendly transport. It aims to reduce pollution and create jobs.
How many electric taxis are included in the first phase?
A total of 1,100 electric vehicles are allocated in the first phase of the scheme.
Who can apply for the Punjab E-Taxi Scheme?
Fleet owners registered with Transport Network Companies and eligible individuals can apply.
Are women included in the scheme?
Yes, 30 electric taxis are specifically allocated for female drivers to encourage inclusion.
Will the scheme expand beyond Lahore?
Yes, due to high public interest, the government plans to expand the scheme to more cities in Punjab.