World Bank to provide $40 million for buyback scheme as province moves to reduce transport-related emissions
LAHORE: The Punjab government has set a target to scrap 900 smoke-emitting buses and trucks during the first four years of its clean air initiative as authorities intensify efforts to reduce transport-related pollution across the province.
According to officials, achieving the target will unlock financing from the World Bank under the Punjab Clean Air Program. The government has linked the removal of 900 ageing commercial vehicles from roads with the release of funds for the initiative.
The World Bank will provide $40 million for the vehicle buyback and scrappage programme. Subsequently, the provincial government will use the financing to provide financial assistance to owners who retire old and heavily polluting vehicles.
Buyback Scheme to Encourage Cleaner Transport
Officials said the programme will encourage owners of ageing buses and trucks to scrap their vehicles or replace them with newer and more environmentally friendly alternatives.
Moreover, the government plans to introduce a formal buyback mechanism that will financially support participating vehicle owners. Authorities will also strengthen the legal and regulatory framework governing vehicle scrappage to ensure effective implementation.
The initiative forms part of Punjab’s broader strategy to tackle deteriorating air quality, particularly emissions generated by older commercial vehicles.
Electric Vehicles and Inspections Gain Focus
Meanwhile, authorities are considering linking the replacement of old buses and trucks with available electric vehicle financing facilities. The government also intends to promote electric motorcycles and three-wheelers as cleaner alternatives for urban transportation.
Additionally, Punjab plans to expand its vehicle inspection system to identify smoke-emitting vehicles more effectively and improve enforcement of emissions standards.
Officials expect stricter inspections, financial incentives and cleaner technologies to gradually remove highly polluting vehicles from provincial roads.
The government hopes the combined measures will reduce harmful emissions while encouraging transport operators to modernise their fleets and adopt cleaner vehicles.
