Punjab has started its first structured electric taxi programme. Under the CM Punjab E-Taxi Scheme, the government plans to give around 1,100 electric taxis to drivers at subsidised rates in the first phase, beginning in Lahore, with a subsidy of up to Rs 4 billion and a 30% quota for women. The government pays part of the down payment, which brings the upfront cost down sharply.
Below you will find the numbers that were reported, the women’s quota, what is still unclear, and how to follow the official application process.
E-Taxi Scheme at a Glance
| Programme | CM Punjab E-Taxi Scheme (first phase) |
| Number of taxis | About 1,100 electric taxis |
| Where it starts | Lahore, with expansion to other districts later |
| Total subsidy | Up to Rs 4 billion |
| Down payment | 30% of the vehicle price |
| Government share | Government bears 15% of the down payment (general applicants) |
| Women applicants | 30% of taxis reserved; government covers 60% of the down payment |
| Reported entry cost | Rs 690,000 to take a vehicle home (one report) |
| Official portal | e-taxi.punjab.gov.pk (linked in press coverage) |
How the Scheme Works
Instead of buying an electric vehicle at full price, an applicant pays a reduced down payment of 30% of the cost. The Punjab government then bears part of that down payment, so the driver starts with a much smaller amount. Reports state that the Punjab government covers 15% of the down payment for general applicants, and 60% of it for women, who also receive 30% of the taxis through a reserved quota.
One news report says applicants can take the vehicle home by paying Rs 690,000. Other coverage mentions interest-free instalments over five years and that registration and token tax are covered by the government, but those points were not repeated in every report, so confirm them on the official portal before relying on them.
Women’s Quota and Extra Support
Thirty percent of the vehicles are reserved for women, and women applicants receive the larger down payment support (60% of the down payment covered by the government). The government said many women had already shown interest at the time of the launch. The scheme is positioned as a way to give women a new income source in the transport sector, alongside the existing pink and green bus services.
Launch Date: Why Reports Differ
News coverage places the launch ceremony on Thursday, 26 February 2026 in Lahore, and says taxis were expected on the road within 48 hours. Other material compiled by us refers to a formal launch event in October 2026, and an earlier announcement in July 2025 describing 1,100 interest-free electric vehicles. These dates could reflect different stages (announcement, portal opening, formal launch), but we could not confirm the sequence from an official statement. Always check the Punjab government’s notification for the current application status.
Who Can Apply?
The reports we reviewed did not give a complete official eligibility list. Some coverage mentions an age range of 21 to 45, a Punjab CNIC or domicile, a valid driving licence, and a preference for unemployed youth. Treat these as unconfirmed until you see them on the portal.
- Keep your CNIC, domicile and valid driving licence ready.
- Women applicants should apply under the women’s quota to benefit from the higher down payment support.
- Do not pay anyone for a “seat”. Allocation is through the official process.
Why Electric Taxis?
The government says the programme aims to cut air pollution, lower fuel costs for drivers and create jobs for hundreds of families. It also plans to extend modern transport services to all 148 tehsils of Punjab in phases, after green electric buses were introduced in several cities.
Beware of Fake Agents and Scam Sites
Government welfare schemes attract scammers. No genuine programme asks you to pay a “registration fee” to an agent, share your card PIN, or send your CNIC and OTP codes to a WhatsApp number. Enter your CNIC only on websites ending in .gov.pk or use the official SMS and helpline numbers mentioned in this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many taxis are in Phase 1?
Around 1,100 electric taxis, starting in Lahore.
How much is the subsidy?
Up to Rs 4 billion in total, as reported.
What is the down payment?
30% of the vehicle price, with the government bearing 15% of it. Women get 60% of the down payment covered.
Is there a women quota?
Yes, 30% of taxis are reserved for women.
Where do I apply?
Use the official portal e-taxi.punjab.gov.pk and the Punjab government’s announcements.
Are instalments interest-free?
Some coverage says so for a five-year plan. This was not repeated in every report, so verify the finance terms on the portal.
Will other cities get e-taxis?
The government says Phase 1 starts in Lahore and later phases will cover other districts.
Sources
- Minute Mirror: Punjab CM unveils Rs4bn electric taxi scheme
- The Markhor Times: Maryam Nawaz launches Punjab’s first e-taxi scheme
- Pakistan Today (16 Jul 2025): Punjab govt to offer 1,100 interest-free electric vehicles
Last checked: 11 October 2026. Gov-programs.info is an independent information site and is not affiliated with any government body. Figures are as reported by the cited outlets; always confirm on the official portal before applying or sharing documents.
