Punjab govt starts delivery of e-bikes to students

LAHORE: Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz has inaugurated the Chief Minister’s Youth Initiative ‘E-bike programme, symbolically handing over the first E-bike to a college student from Jampur.

During the launching ceremony, the Chief Minister also introduced the Vehicle Inspection Regime for Private Vehicle Project and awarded the first e-loader rickshaw manufacturing license to Nawawa Mobilizers Company.

Additionally, she announced the initiation of the E-bike project phase 2, which will establish solar powered charging stations in colleges and universities.

The Punjab government will cover Rs. 20,000 out of the Rs. 40,000 down payments for the E-bikes, making them more accessible to students. Over 8,000 female students have applied for the program, and all will receive E-bikes. The initiative aims to empower students by providing them with modern and sustainable transportation options.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized that students will also receive laptops, and a Rs. 25 billion scholarship program is being introduced to support those who cannot afford higher education.

She highlighted the government’s efforts to make Punjab greener by transitioning to electric transport. An MoU has been signed for acquiring environment-friendly buses, with 27 expected to arrive by December.

The Chief Minister also addressed issues related to smog and environmental pollution, noting that Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb is actively working to combat these problems. In addition, she inspected electric loader rickshaws and E-road washer vehicles, receiving briefings on their features and the broader electric buses project.