Public interest in the Punjab government’s eco-friendly electric taxi scheme continues to grow, and the provincial administration has decided to hold the scheme’s balloting in the last week of November.The Punjab government has begun scrutinising the applications received so far. More than 28,000 citizens have submitted requests to obtain an electric taxi.The Transport Department has handed over the data of all applicants to the Bank of Punjab.

Once the balloting is completed, applicants will be contacted to submit their down payments.Those who deposit the payment will receive their electric taxi within three to four months.Earlier, on September 17, the Punjab government officially launched the E-Taxi Scheme 2025, introducing its instalment structure and balloting mechanism.The scheme provides vehicles on a five-year, interest-free loan, with 30 e-taxis allocated specifically for women.

To support the initiative, the government is also developing charging infrastructure and has launched an online portal for applications. In the first phase, a total of 1,100 Chinese electric taxis will be distributed across Punjab, with online applications open until October 5, 2025.Under the financing plan, the government will offer a subsidised down-payment facility and bear all interest expenses.

For vehicles priced between Rs4 million and Rs10 million, the Punjab government will contribute Rs585,000 toward the buyer’s down payment, while partner banks will finance the remaining cost.The provincial government has also approved a scheme enabling partner banks to provide loans of up to Rs665,000 for electric vehicles, strengthening the programme even further.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)