Punjab advances e-taxi initiative as selection phase begins

The Punjab government is moving into the decisive phase of its inaugural electric taxi scheme, with officials confirming that electronic balloting will soon determine the first recipients of the province’s highly anticipated green transport fleet.

During a high-level steering committee meeting chaired by Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan on Saturday, authorities revealed that the programme has triggered an overwhelming public response. To date, the government has recorded more than 66,000 initial registrations, resulting in over 28,000 finalised applications currently undergoing rigorous data verification.

The initiative, backed by a Rs3.5 billion government subsidy, represents a dual-track strategy to modernise urban transit while addressing worsening air quality in the region. By replacing traditional combustion engines with Chinese-sourced electric vehicles (EVs), the provincial administration hopes to set a new standard for sustainable mobility in Pakistan’s most populous province.

“This project is more than just a transport upgrade; it is a catalyst for economic empowerment,” Minister Khan told committee members, including representatives of the Bank of Punjab. “We are creating a framework where our youth and women can access dignified, sustainable livelihoods. The government is committed to making this a model project for the entire country.”

The pilot phase will see the distribution of 1,100 electric units. The allocation strategy reflects a balance between corporate scale and individual entrepreneurship. Of the total fleet, 700 vehicles are designated for fleet owners—who must operate a minimum of 10 units—while 400 are reserved for individual operators. In a move to promote gender inclusion in a male-dominated industry, 100 of those individual slots are strictly reserved for women.

The financial structure of the scheme is designed to lower barriers to entry for lower-income applicants. The provincial government has pledged to absorb the entire interest burden of the loans, offering a five-year, interest-free financing plan.

In addition, the state is providing a significant equity cushion. While applicants are generally required to contribute 30 per cent equity, the government will cover half of that amount for men and 60 per cent for women. For fleet owners, the subsidy ranges between 30 and 40 per cent, depending on the size of the operation.

The transition to the balloting stage follows a brief delay from the original November timeline. Officials said the sheer volume of data required a meticulous audit to ensure transparency. The Bank of Punjab is currently vetting candidates for creditworthiness and regulatory compliance.

Once the electronic draw is finalised, successful applicants will be contacted to submit their down payments. Officials estimate that the first fleet of e-taxis will be operational on Punjab’s roads within three to four months of the payment deadline.

Technological and safety integration remain priorities for the project. Each vehicle will be equipped with a real-time tracking system and a dedicated panic button for driver and passenger safety. To address range anxiety, the government is planning to establish a specialised charging infrastructure network across major urban centres. The vehicles will also carry a warranty covering the battery and motor for six years or 300,000 kilometres.

Under the programme’s legal framework, the Bank of Punjab will retain ownership of the vehicles until the loans are fully repaid through 57 equal monthly instalments. To further incentivise the shift to electric transport, the government is waiving 100 per cent of registration charges and initial token taxes.

While the taxis will be permitted to operate anywhere in the province, individual owners must be registered with a recognised ride-hailing service to ensure the fleet contributes effectively to the local digital economy. As the balloting date approaches, the Transport Department has established an online portal and a dedicated helpline to assist applicants during the final stage of the selection process.