Punjab’s flagship electric taxi initiative is gaining traction across the province, with over 22,000 applications received in the first phase alone. The Punjab E-Taxi Scheme, launched under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s clean mobility and employment agenda, aims to provide 1,100 interest-free electric taxis to eligible drivers, with plans now underway to expand the program to more cities.
What is the Punjab E-Taxi Scheme?
The Punjab E-Taxi Scheme is a government-backed initiative designed to promote eco-friendly transport and create self-employment opportunities for skilled drivers. By offering electric taxis on a zero-interest repayment plan, the scheme tackles two major challenges: urban pollution and youth unemployment. The program is especially inclusive, with a focus on enabling women drivers and first-time entrepreneurs to enter the ride-hailing economy.
How to Apply for the E-Taxi Scheme
Applications are submitted online through the official Punjab E-Taxi portal. Applicants must create an account using their CNIC and mobile number, then upload required documents including:
- Valid CNIC
- Driving license
- Passport-size photographs
- Proof of residence
- Bank account details for EMI setup
Once submitted, applications undergo a scrutiny and approval process. Selected applicants will receive confirmation via SMS or email, followed by vehicle handover and EMI details.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Punjab E-Taxi Scheme, applicants must:
- Be a resident of Punjab
- Be aged 21 to 50 years
- Hold a valid driving license
- Have at least two years of driving experience
- Be unemployed or a first-time entrepreneur
Meeting these criteria improves chances of approval and ensures smooth onboarding.
Repayment Schedule and Financial Structure
The scheme offers a transparent and flexible repayment model:
| Detail | Amount (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Price | 8,499,000 |
| Applicant’s Contribution | 3,364,000 |
| Government Subsidy | 585,000 |
| Financed Amount | 4,550,000 |
| Monthly EMI (Without Insurance) | 79,825 |
| Monthly EMI (With Insurance) | 92,825 |
| Tenure | 60 months (5 years) |
| Grace Period | 3 months |
This structure allows drivers to begin earning before repayments start, reducing financial pressure.
Cities Where Punjab E-Taxi Is Active
The scheme is currently operational in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Multan, with plans to expand to additional districts. According to the Transport Department, more cities will be added in response to high public demand and application volume.
Broader Impact and Future Outlook
The Punjab E-Taxi Scheme is more than a transport upgrade—it’s a strategic intervention in economic empowerment and climate policy. With Rs3.5 billion in government subsidies and a commitment to clean energy, the initiative is expected to reduce fuel dependency, lower emissions, and modernize urban mobility.
As the scheme scales up, upcoming phases will test whether investor interest and public engagement can sustain long-term growth. For now, the response has been overwhelming, and Punjab’s electric taxi rollout is shaping up to be one of the most impactful public transport reforms in recent years.
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Input from pre.com.pk
