LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has removed the down payment requirement for students under the provincial e-bike scheme.
The decision aims to make electric bikes more accessible for eligible students across Punjab. Students will not have to pay any upfront amount for the bikes.
Maryam Nawaz has also rejected proposals for additional charges beyond the monthly instalments. Students will only be required to pay the approved monthly amount.
Under the revised scheme, the Punjab government will cover the interest and insurance costs. A monthly instalment of around Rs3,000 has also been approved.
The chief minister has directed officials to reopen the e-bike portal this week. Eligible students will be able to submit their applications through the portal.
The Punjab government has also approved plans to expand the electric bike scheme gradually. The programme could later include government employees and departments.
The general public and delivery riders may also become part of the scheme. The expansion will be carried out in phases.
During a briefing, Transport Secretary Imran Sikandar Baloch shared details of the updated programme. He said students would receive safety equipment with their electric bikes.
Each eligible student will receive a free helmet and safety rod. The bikes will also use lithium iron phosphate batteries.
The government is also focusing on safety and training for students. Interested students will receive free training before using their electric bikes.
According to the plan, students will receive two days of free electric bike riding training. The training has been approved on the chief minister’s instructions.
Authorities have also been directed to speed up the distribution process. Eligible students should receive their bikes within six weeks.
The revised scheme is part of Punjab’s broader efforts to promote electric transport. It also aims to provide affordable mobility options for students.
The removal of the down payment could reduce the financial burden on participating students. The government will continue covering interest and insurance expenses under the revised arrangement.
The Maryam Nawaz administration is also considering a wider rollout of the programme. More groups could benefit once the scheme expands beyond students.
Officials will now focus on reopening the application portal and processing eligible applications. Further details about eligibility and application procedures are expected through the official portal.
In other news read more about CM Punjab Orders Removal of Illegal House Ramps Across Province
The Punjab government says the initiative will support students while promoting cleaner transportation. The distribution process is expected to begin after applications are processed.
