Punjab launches interest-free e-bike scheme for 100,000 students

The Punjab government has announced the revival of its electric bike (e-bike) programme for students, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz unveiling an expanded initiative

The Punjab government has announced the revival of its electric bike (e-bike) programme for students, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz unveiling an expanded initiative aimed at making affordable and environmentally friendly transportation available to young people across the province.

Under the new scheme, the provincial government plans to provide 100,000 electric bikes every year through easy, interest-free installment plans, enabling students to commute to educational institutions at a lower cost.

According to the Punjab government, each e-bike will carry a government subsidy of Rs70,000, significantly reducing the financial burden on students. Applicants will be required to make a down payment of Rs14,000, after which they will pay interest-free monthly installments of Rs2,100 until the cost of the bike is cleared.

In a major relief measure for female students, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced that the Punjab government will cover both the down payment and the registration fee for eligible applicants. Female students will only need to pay the monthly interest-free installment of Rs2,100, making the scheme even more accessible and encouraging greater participation of women in higher education.

The chief minister also expanded the scope of the initiative by announcing that Punjab government employees will be eligible to obtain electric bikes through similar easy installment plans.

Officials said the programme is part of the provincial government’s broader strategy to promote clean transportation, reduce fuel costs and encourage the adoption of electric vehicles across Punjab.

During a review meeting on transport initiatives, Maryam Nawaz directed the relevant departments to accelerate the introduction of electric buses, e-taxis, e-bikes and electric three-wheelers across the province. She emphasized that multiple electric transport projects should move forward simultaneously to modernize Punjab’s public transport system.

As part of the long-term plan, the Punjab government aims to deploy 5,000 electric buses over the next five years, expanding affordable and environmentally sustainable public transport services in cities across the province.