Punjab transport revolution: CM Maryam launches e-taxi scheme

Lahore (Web Desk): Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has formally launched Pakistan’s first environment-friendly E-Taxi Scheme at a prestigious ceremony in Lahore.

Under the first phase of the initiative, 1,100 electric vehicles will be distributed. The Punjab government has allocated a substantial Rs4 billion subsidy to support the project.

During the ceremony, the chief minister handed over car keys to successful women applicants and interacted with them. According to the scheme’s structure, the Punjab government will pay 60% of the down payment for women drivers and 50% for men. Additionally, vehicle registration, fitness certification, and token tax fees will be covered by the government, while the remaining amount can be paid in easy five-year installments.

Maryam Nawaz stated that drivers under the E-Taxi scheme will be able to earn a respectable monthly income ranging from Rs150,000 to Rs200,000.

In her address, she said she personally monitors daily prices of essential commodities. She noted that prices of flour, onions, and potatoes have significantly decreased in Punjab, adding that efforts are underway to make bananas and apples more affordable for the public.

The chief minister directed ministers to spend more time in the field rather than in offices to directly assess public issues.

Announcing further reforms in Punjab’s transport sector, she revealed that the province will soon introduce its first trackless train project. Modern green buses will be provided in every tehsil, while metro bus projects are progressing in Faisalabad and Gujranwala.

She also stated that the scope of emergency services, including air ambulance facilities and free heart transplants, is being expanded across the province.