Punjab Minister for Transport and Mass Transit Bilal Akbar Khan met with Chinese Consul General Sun Yan to discuss bilateral cooperation and modern transport projects in Punjab. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties and expanding collaboration across various sectors.
On the occasion, Minister Bilal Akbar Khan invited Chinese companies to invest in Punjab’s electric vehicle (EV) and EV charging infrastructure sectors. He stated that the Punjab government has formally launched initiatives to introduce a modern and environmentally friendly transportation system across the province.
Bilal Akbar Khan announced that electric buses will be introduced in all districts of Punjab in phases. In the first phase, 1,100 electric buses will be deployed, while an additional 2,000 buses are planned to extend transport facilities to the tehsil level.
He further said that green bus depots are being established to support the charging needs of electric buses. According to him, the electric bus project has received an overwhelmingly positive response from the public, generating significant enthusiasm among citizens.
The minister emphasized that the Punjab government’s primary focus is on promoting a green transport system. He revealed that 100,000 electric bikes will be distributed under the second phase of the Bike Scheme, while the E-Taxi Scheme is also being implemented to provide affordable and quality transportation services.
Under the E-Taxi Scheme, 1,100 vehicles will be included in the first phase, followed by 5,000 vehicles in the second phase. Additionally, amendments have been introduced to laws targeting smoke-emitting vehicles as part of efforts to combat smog.
Bilal Akbar Khan also shared that work has begun on new mass transit projects in Gujranwala and Faisalabad, which will provide citizens with modern and improved transportation facilities.
Chinese Consul General Sun Yan appreciated the Punjab government’s initiatives, expressed keen interest in various transport projects, and conveyed a desire to further enhance cooperation in the future.
