The Punjab government has decided to inspect beneficiaries of its electric taxi scheme after reports suggested that some recipients were not using the vehicles for public transport services.
According to officials, authorities identified cases where subsidised electric taxis were being used for personal purposes instead of operating commercially.
The inspection campaign aims to assess compliance with the original conditions of the programme.
At the same time, the government intends to ensure that public funds support the intended transport objectives.
Authorities Report Violations of Scheme Conditions
According to the Punjab Transport Department, officials also identified another concern during the review process.
Several beneficiaries reportedly removed the government-approved branding and design applied to the electric taxis.
Authorities consider this a violation of the terms set under the scheme.
As a result, officials have started preparing inspections to determine whether vehicles continue operating according to programme requirements.
The department maintains that recipients agreed to specific conditions when receiving the subsidised vehicles.
Government Warns of Action Against Non-Compliant Owners
Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan said authorities possess complete records of all beneficiaries under the programme.
According to the minister, action will be taken against recipients who failed to operate their vehicles as commercial taxis.
He further warned that authorities may confiscate electric taxis found parked for private use instead of serving as public transport.
The latest measures signal a stricter approach toward monitoring the programme’s implementation.
Officials say inspections will help determine whether beneficiaries fulfilled their commitments under the scheme.
What Was the Purpose of the E-Taxi Programme?
The provincial government introduced the electric taxi initiative to support environmentally friendly transportation and improve public taxi services.
Under the programme, authorities allocated a subsidy of Rs4 billion.
The government also distributed approximately 1,100 electric taxis through interest-free and easy instalment arrangements.
Officials designed the initiative to encourage cleaner transport solutions while improving public mobility options.
At the same time, the programme aimed to increase access to modern and environmentally conscious transport services.
Government Says Inspections Will Protect the Scheme’s Objectives
Officials stated that the inspection process focuses on ensuring the programme delivers its intended outcomes.
Authorities believe oversight measures will help strengthen accountability and encourage proper utilisation of subsidised vehicles.
The government also aims to support the expansion of eco-friendly taxi services across Punjab.
For now, inspections will determine whether beneficiaries continue meeting the conditions attached to receiving the electric taxis.
The findings may also influence how future transport support programmes are monitored and implemented.
