Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has instructed provincial transport minister Bilal Akbar Khan to introduce e-taxi service across the province on the model of China’s electric taxi system.
The Punjab Transport Department has already started laying the groundwork for the project and discussions are underway with several electric vehicle manufacturers.
Major stakeholders such as Deewan Group and National Radio & Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) have expressed interest in partnering for the initiative, according to a local media report.
In the initial phase, the e-taxi service will be launched in Lahore and Divisional Headquarters with plans to expand the service to other major cities in Punjab. The service will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will offer citizens an affordable and ecological transport alternative.
Officials anticipate that the introduction of e-taxi will improve access to cost-effective travel options while slightly affecting employment in the traditional taxi industry. This project is part of the government’s broader efforts to promote sustainable urban mobility across the province.
Additionally, the Punjab government has started procurement of electric buses for Faisalabad and Bahawalpur. This initiative aims to tackle serious transport problems, including a lack of quality public transport, heavy traffic congestion and environmental problems such as smog.
The project prioritizes sustainability by introducing eco-friendly electric buses to public transport in these cities. To ensure high quality standards, the procurement process will include strict pre-qualification of firms based on strict criteria.
Eligible firms must meet several requirements: a minimum net worth of US$200 million, an annual turnover of US$600 million in bus production, and at least five years of experience in bus production (7.5 meters and above).
