Punjab unveils e-bikes, rickshaws under 'Green wheels programme'

As Punjab remains one of the worst affected provinces by alarming air pollution indicators, the caretaker provincial government has announced the integration of 26,000 electric vehicles into urban traffic.

The electric vehicles will be provided under the "Green wheels programme" allowing students, low-income citizens, women, and people with disabilities to benefit from the government initiative, announced caretaker Punjab Minister for Transport Ibrahim Hasan Murad.

Speaking to a private news channel, the minister revealed that as many as 10,000 electric motorcycles will be provided to university students alone.

Furthermore, the initiative provision of interest-free E-bikes for women, three-wheeler bikes for the disabled and also interest-free E-rickshaws for deserving people.

Recognising the pressing need to combat pollution, the programme addresses the root cause by targeting the 70–80% pollution contribution from the transportation sector, he added.

“Punjab's commitment to sustainable transportation is not just a step forward; it's a leap into a greener, cleaner future,” Murad said.

The minister added that another historic milestone was achieved with the issuance of electric vehicle (EV) licenses for the first time in Pakistan.

This move not only encourages the adoption of eco-friendly modes of transportation but also positions the country at the forefront of embracing innovative solutions for a cleaner environment, he maintained.

He also underscored that five major cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, and Bahawalpur, were designated as EV models.

In response to a query regarding the charging stations, the transport minister reassured that the comprehensive plan encompasses infrastructure development for charging stations, ensuring that the transition to electric vehicles is supported by a robust network.

Battery charging stations will be strategically placed to facilitate the widespread adoption of EVs, he concluded.