E-taxi, solar station schemes greenlighted

Pilot phase to feature 1,100 electric vehicles

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has approved a pilot launch of its flagship electric taxi initiative, along with plans to install solar-powered charging stations across the province, officials announced following a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

The meeting held on Tuesday focused on ongoing and proposed mass transit projects in Punjab, with particular attention given to the province's eco-friendly transport initiatives. Officials presented a feasibility report for the Yellow Line Mass Transit System and detailed plans for the e-taxi programme.

In a move toward sustainable urban mobility, the government granted in-principle approval of the e-taxi project's financial model and agreed to initiate a pilot phase featuring 1,100 electric taxis. It was also decided that solar-powered charging stations would be installed, with a proposal under consideration to co-locate these stations with existing petrol pumps.

Chief Minister Sharif directed that work on the Yellow Line corridor—running from Jinnah Terminal to Harbanspura—begin without delay. She emphasised the need for mass transit routes to be planned based on public convenience and called for a report on additional transit routes in Gujranwala.

During a briefing, officials confirmed that the provincial government would offer subsidies under the e-taxi scheme to promote public adoption. The e-taxi project, which aims to reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, was reviewed in detail during the session.

Earlier initiatives in the sector, like the Yellow Cab Scheme launched in the 1990s and revived in 2011, aimed to create self-employment opportunities through subsidised vehicle financing.

Chairing another meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the authorities concerned to purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment for the government hospitals while keeping in view the needs of the patients.

During a review of health project, she sought a comprehensive plan for the Nawaz Sharif Medical District. A proposal to establish a school of paramedics in the medical district was agreed upon. The meeting decided to establish an institute of genetic and blood diseases, as well as a surgical orthopaedic medicine rehabilitation centre.

The chief minister ordered the completion of the Lady Willingdon Hospital project within six months and immediate steps for timely completion of all pending health projects. It was also decided in principle to build a cardiology centre in every prominent city across Punjab.

The chief minister issued directives to disburse funds for the timely completion of the Children Hospital in Rawalpindi. She directed the authorities to avail the services of a team of best doctors for the hospital.

She was given a comprehensive briefing about the ongoing and new projects of specialised healthcare and medical education in the province.