CM Maryam launches e-taxi scheme in Punjab

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday launched the province’s new e-taxi programme, describing it as a major step towards building a modern electric transport system in Punjab.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, she said that the government plans to roll out around 1,100 electric taxis in the first phase. The vehicles will be offered at subsidised rates, and 30 per cent of them have been reserved for women.

Maryam said that Punjab was the first province in the country to start such an initiative, calling it a project that would not only support environmental protection but also create new livelihood opportunities. She expressed satisfaction that more than 30 per cent of the selected applicants under the scheme are women.

The chief minister explained that the programme is part of a broader plan to promote what she termed an “e-mobility ecosystem” in the province. Referring to existing projects, she noted that electric buses are already operating and said the service would gradually be expanded to all 148 tehsils of Punjab.

Highlighting the financial support being provided, Maryam said the government is offering a subsidy of up to Rs4 billion for the 1,100 vehicles included in the scheme. She added that while applicants are required to pay a 30 per cent down payment, the provincial government will bear half of that amount — covering 15 per cent itself.

Addressing potential applicants, she said individuals could drive the vehicle home by paying Rs690,000 upfront. The ceremony concluded with rows of pink and green electric taxis displayed at the venue, symbolising the official start of the programme.