LAHORE: The Government of Punjab has launched its first province-wide e-taxi scheme, introducing 1,100 electric vehicles at subsidised rates as part of a broader plan to promote clean mobility and expand economic opportunities.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the initiative on Thursday, describing it as a step toward building a comprehensive e-mobility ecosystem in Punjab. The scheme includes a 30 percent quota for women drivers, aimed at encouraging greater female participation in the transport sector.

Under the programme, the provincial government will provide a subsidy of Rs4 billion to support the rollout of electric taxis. Officials said the initiative seeks to reduce carbon emissions, lower fuel dependency and create employment opportunities across the province.

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Speaking at the launch ceremony, the chief minister said Punjab is the first province in Pakistan to introduce a subsidised electric taxi scheme at this scale. She noted that the project aligns with the government’s wider environmental and public transport strategy.

Clean transport expansion plan

The chief minister also referred to the province’s green bus programme and announced plans to expand modern transport facilities to all 148 tehsils of Punjab. Officials say the broader objective is to modernise urban and intercity transport while promoting sustainable energy solutions.

The e-taxi scheme is expected to operate in phases, with eligible applicants receiving vehicles under defined financial and regulatory guidelines. Further operational details are expected to be shared by the relevant departments in the coming weeks.