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By Tanveer Ahmed :
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has officially launched Pakistan’s first electric taxi program, introducing 1,100 eco-friendly vehicles in the initial phase as part of a broader push toward sustainable urban transport.
The E-Taxi Scheme, unveiled on February 26 under the CM Punjab Transport Vision 2030, will initially operate primarily in Lahore, with government officials describing it as a transformative step for the province’s transportation sector.
Financial Support Structure
The program offers substantial government assistance to make electric vehicles accessible to ordinary citizens. Male applicants receive a fifty percent subsidy on down payments, while female applicants qualify for sixty percent support. The government also provides interest-free financing over five years, covering all interest costs to ensure manageable monthly installments.
Additional support includes coverage for vehicle registration, insurance, tracker installation, and related fees. Vehicle prices range from approximately six million to eleven million rupees depending on the model, with down payments set at around thirty percent of the vehicle cost before subsidy application.
Fleet owners can receive between ten and fifty percent support depending on the scale of their operations.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be permanent Punjab residents between twenty and fifty years of age, holding valid light transport vehicle or heavy transport vehicle licenses. A minimum educational qualification of Matriculation is required, along with a clean criminal record and no history of bank defaults.
A significant thirty percent quota has been reserved specifically for women applicants, promoting gender inclusivity in the transport sector.
Vehicle Features and Benefits
The electric taxis offer a range of 250 to 300 kilometres per charge, significantly reducing operating costs compared to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. Safety features include panic buttons for emergencies, GPS tracking systems, and smart meters.
Participants can earn income through ride-hailing services while contributing to environmental sustainability through reduced emissions.
Application Process
Interested individuals must apply through the official government portal at e-taxi.punjab.gov.pk. The registration process involves creating an account, selecting an available vehicle model, providing personal and professional information, and uploading required documents including CNIC, domicile certificate, driving license, educational certificates, recent photographs, and bank statements for verification.
Shortlisted applicants receive confirmation via SMS or email before proceeding with down payment and vehicle allocation. For queries, applicants can contact support via email or the helpline at 042-111-333-267.
Phase Implementation
The initial registration deadlines for the first phase have already passed, but officials advise checking the portal for updates on subsequent phases or fleet expansions. The scheme represents a significant investment in modernizing Punjab’s transport infrastructure while creating self-employment opportunities for youth and low-income groups.
Government officials emphasize that the program will help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, improve urban air quality, and enhance passenger safety through advanced vehicle features. The special quota for women drivers aims to create inclusive economic opportunities in a sector traditionally dominated by men.
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