Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, accompanied by her father and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, presided over a crucial meeting aimed at bolstering transportation infrastructure in the province. The agenda centered on deliberations regarding the underground train project in Lahore and the execution of metro bus projects in three cities across Punjab.
During the session, the chief minister underscored the necessity for meticulous planning for the Lahore underground train initiative and urged for the presentation of a comprehensive plan in this regard. Moreover, discussions ensued regarding the metro bus projects in the three cities of Punjab, with detailed briefings provided on various transportation facets, including the provision of bikes for students.
Nawaz Sharif directed authorities to augment the number of motorbikes available for students and ensure that the monthly installments for these bikes remain minimal to alleviate the financial burden on students. He reiterated the government’s commitment to extending financial assistance to students.
Consequently, it was announced that 19,000 petrol bikes and 1,000 electric bikes would be made available to students possessing the requisite licenses, with interest-free monthly installments. The installment amounts for petrol bikes would be less than Rs5,000, while for e-bikes, it would be less than Rs10,000.
A quota system was established to ensure gender parity, with a 50% allocation for male and female students in cities, a 70% quota for male students, and 30% for female students in villages.
Additionally, plans were outlined to operate 27 fully electric buses in Lahore, aligning with the government’s commitment to promoting eco-friendly transportation solutions.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz instructed authorities to commence the receipt of applications for the bike scheme before Eid, facilitating widespread participation in the initiative and ensuring the timely distribution of bikes to eligible students across Punjab.
