CM Maryam Nawaz Approves Plan to Provide Over 125,000 E-Bikes to Students
**LAHORE:** Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a major expansion of the province’s electric bike scheme for young people, with plans to provide more than 125,000 e-bikes to students.
Under the revised scheme, students will not be required to pay any down payment for obtaining an electric bike. The decision aims to make the scheme more accessible and reduce the financial burden on students.
### No Additional Charges for Students
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz rejected proposals to charge students additional fees apart from the monthly installment. The Punjab government will also bear the costs of interest and insurance for the e-bikes.
The monthly installment is proposed to be around **Rs3,000**, making the scheme affordable for a larger number of students.
### Portal to Open This Week
The chief minister has directed authorities to open the online portal for the e-bike scheme this week, allowing eligible students to submit their applications.
She also approved expanding the scheme beyond students to include **government employees, various public-sector departments and delivery riders**.
### Free Helmets and Safety Equipment
Transport Secretary Imran Sikandar Baloch briefed the chief minister on the scheme. He said applicants receiving e-bikes would also be provided with **free helmets and safety rods**.
The electric bikes will be equipped with **lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries**, a modern battery technology known for its durability and safety.
### Free Two-Day Driving Training
Students interested in obtaining an e-bike will also receive **free two-day driving training** to help them operate the vehicles safely.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the relevant authorities to take all necessary measures to ensure that eligible students receive their electric bikes **within six weeks** of being selected for the scheme.
The initiative is being described as a major step toward providing young people in Punjab with affordable and environmentally friendly transportation, while helping students and other eligible beneficiaries with their daily commuting needs.
