Punjab sees record e-bike surge under Green Credit programme

Lahore has recorded a sharp rise in electric motorcycle (e-bike) registrations, with 755 new entries last month taking the total to 1,248 under the Chief Minister’s Green Credit Programme.

The initiative is central to the Punjab government’s target of converting 30% of transport to electric by 2030, a move environmental experts describe as a key step toward cleaner, quieter cities.

Environment Department spokesperson Sajid Bashir said e-bikes are already reducing noise, smoke and traffic congestion.

Buyers receive a Rs100,000 subsidy in two instalments: Rs50,000 at purchase and another Rs50,000 after riding 6,000 kilometres within six months, verified through the Green Credit App.

Read: Citizens switching to e-bikes offered Rs100k

Experts estimate that the broad adoption of e-bikes could cut thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

Despite this progress, Punjab continues to battle severe air pollution. In a recent operation, the Environment Department and the Lahore Transport Authority intercepted a trailer near Thokar Niaz Baig carrying 41 tonnes of used tyres illegally transported from Karachi.

Officials said the tyres were bound for pyro plants, where burning them for factory and steel mill fuel releases toxic emissions, worsens smog and threatens public health.

Deputy Director of Environment Ali Ejaz warned that the practice causes long-term environmental damage and urged strict enforcement to curb it.