Punjab CM expands e-bike quota for students amid surging demand

LAHORE: In a significant move to support student mobility, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced an increase in the quota for e-bikes, driven by a surge in student interest.

The initiative, part of the provincial government’s broader plan to provide affordable transportation options to students, has been met with overwhelming demand.

Maryam Nawaz hands out e-bikes to students

Provincial Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan, speaking to the media, revealed that the e-bikes are being offered to students on easy instalments, ensuring accessibility for all applicants. To date, 190,000 students have registered for the first phase of the programme, which includes the provision of 20,000 bikes – 1,000 of which are electric.

The minister also noted that the programme’s success is evident from the additional 50,000 applications received from students eager to secure an e-bike. Recognising the importance of this initiative, CM Nawaz has instructed that the distribution of bikes be expedited, with daily progress reports to be submitted to the relevant departments.

10,000 applications for e-bikes were received from girls: Marriyum Aurangzeb

While the cost of e-bikes is higher, the Punjab government has committed to covering the additional expenses to make them more affordable for students, Khan said.