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Everything is ready to deploy the electric taxi service

Everything is ready to deploy the electric taxi service

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has announced plans to introduce the province’s first electric taxi (e-taxi) service to promote eco-friendly and affordable transportation.

Representatives of electric vehicle manufacturing companies expressed keen interest in the project during a seminar held to discuss the initiative, signaling potential collaboration with the private sector.

Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar has been tasked with expediting the project, which is expected to create employment opportunities for the youth.

He chaired a seminar to discuss the initiative, which brought together stakeholders from ministries, electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, transport companies and industry experts. Punjab Transport and Mass Transit Secretary Ahmed Javed Qazi briefed the participants about the features and objectives of the project.

Discussions at the seminar focused on key aspects of the initiative, including vehicle types, pricing structures, operational services and technical considerations.

Proposals were also shared on creating charging stations for electric vehicles, setting standards for batteries and ensuring a constant supply of spare parts for electric vehicles. Minister Akbar highlighted Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision for the project, which aims to tackle unemployment while providing affordable and high-quality vehicles for public use.

He said the initiative would modernize Punjab’s transport infrastructure and help reduce air pollution.

“The e-taxi project is a step forward in providing affordable and eco-friendly public transportation while reducing unemployment,” Akbar said.

“Punjab is rapidly moving towards modern and sustainable transport solutions,” he added.

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon had also announced plans to introduce electric taxis in Karachi to create employment opportunities and reduce pollution. The Sindh government had initially unveiled plans for electric taxis, including a “pink taxi” service for women, in July 2024.