ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has introduced the Prime Minister Electric Motorcycle Scheme, combining public convenience, economic relief and environmental protection.
Under the Prime Minister’s Electric Motorcycle Scheme, electric motorcycles and rickshaws will be provided to citizens on a subsidy. The aim is to reduce the burden of rising fuel prices, provide affordable travel facilities to the common man and control environmental pollution in cities.
While explaining the details of this project, CEO of the Engineering Development Board Hammad Mansoor said that a total of Rs 100 billion has been allocated for the next five years, while Rs 9 billion has been kept for the current financial year.
According to CEO Hammad Mansoor, a subsidy of Rs 80,000 per bike will be provided on 116,000 electric motorcycles during the current year, which will provide direct relief to thousands of families.
Similarly, under the Electric Rickshaw Scheme, a subsidy of up to Rs 400,000 will be provided on each rickshaw so that people associated with small businesses, daily wage workers and the middle class can also take full advantage of this facility.
According to officials, this initiative will significantly reduce noise and smoke in urban areas and will also enable a significant reduction in the country’s imported fuel bill.
Hammad Mansoor further said that the Prime Minister’s Electric Motorcycles will be cheaper by Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 compared to other brands available in the market, while a target has been set to provide 76,000 motorcycles by June.
He stressed that to ensure transparency and merit, the entire process of application, verification and distribution will be completed under an automated and digital system so that there is no scope for any irregularities.
To benefit from this scheme, it has been made mandatory for the applicant to be at least 18 years of age and to have a driving license.
Officials say that through a fully digital procedure, not only transparency will be ensured but also timely access to the deserving people will be made possible.
According to the CEO, a citizen using an electric motorcycle can save up to Rs. 8,000 on petrol per month.
