Punjab to give 150,000+ e-bikes to students

Punjab to give 150,000+ e-bikes to students

LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced plans to provide more than 150,000 electric bikes to college and university students under the next phase of its student transport programme, aiming to make daily commuting more affordable and accessible for young people across the province.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced the expansion while chairing a high-level meeting on Tuesday. She directed officials to remove financial hurdles that could prevent students from benefiting from the scheme and stressed the need to keep the programme simple, affordable and student-friendly.

Under the new arrangements, students will not have to pay any down payment to obtain an e-bike. The chief minister also rejected proposals for additional charges beyond the agreed monthly installment, directing officials to ensure that students do not face unexpected or hidden costs.

Officials discussed a proposal to set the monthly installment at approximately Rs 3,000. The Punjab government will also cover the interest and insurance costs associated with the e-bikes. This support will significantly reduce the financial burden on students and their families and make the bikes more affordable over the repayment period.

Maryam Nawaz also ordered the relevant departments to launch the e-bike registration portal this week. Once operational, the portal will provide students with information about eligibility requirements, registration procedures and other details related to the scheme. Students will be able to apply through the online system after the government opens registrations.

The initiative aims to address transportation difficulties faced by students who travel considerable distances to reach colleges and universities. Many students depend on public transport or family members for daily commuting, while rising fuel and transportation costs can place additional pressure on household budgets.

The government expects the e-bike programme to provide students with a reliable and economical means of transportation. Electric bikes can also help reduce fuel consumption and contribute to lower levels of traffic-related pollution, supporting the province’s efforts to encourage cleaner transportation options.

Punjab initially introduced the student e-bike scheme to improve mobility and help young people manage their commuting expenses. The latest target of more than 150,000 e-bikes marks a major expansion of the programme and could extend its benefits to a much larger number of students across the province.

Officials told the meeting that the government’s financial support for interest and insurance would further improve the scheme’s affordability. The administration also plans to ensure that students receive clear information about the application and payment process.

Further details regarding eligibility, registration dates, distribution and other requirements will become available once the official portal goes live later this week. The government expects the expanded programme to help students travel more independently while reducing the financial pressure associated with daily transportation.