Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced that the provincial government will distribute 125,000 electric bikes to students across Punjab under the CM’s e-bike scheme, aimed at easing transport costs and improving access to education for students traveling to colleges and universities.

The initiative, one of the largest of its kind announced by a provincial government, is designed to reduce the financial burden of daily commuting on students, particularly those from low-income households who often travel long distances to reach their educational institutions. Officials say the e-bikes will be provided either free of cost or on subsidized installments, with final details to be announced by the Punjab government in the coming weeks.

Who Will Be Eligible

According to officials familiar with the scheme’s design, priority will be given to students enrolled in public sector colleges and universities across Punjab, with a special focus on female students to encourage greater participation in higher education by reducing transport-related barriers. The scheme builds on the Punjab government’s earlier initiatives providing laptops and financial support to students under various education-focused programmes.

Applications are expected to be processed through an online portal, similar to other Punjab government schemes, allowing students to register and verify their eligibility digitally. Officials have indicated that the distribution will be carried out in phases, with the first batch expected to reach students within the current academic year.

Part of a Broader Green Transport Push

The e-bike scheme also aligns with the Punjab government’s broader push toward electric vehicles as part of its environmental and energy policy, aiming to reduce reliance on petrol-powered two-wheelers and cut transport-related emissions in urban centers. Electric bikes cost significantly less to run per kilometer compared to petrol motorcycles, offering longer-term savings for students and their families beyond the initial distribution.

Students and parents seeking more information on eligibility criteria and the application process are advised to watch for official announcements from the Punjab government’s education and transport departments in the coming days.