Thousands of young drivers across Punjab waited for one draw, and when it finally happened, it changed their working lives. The Punjab E-Taxi Scheme 2026 is the provincial government’s plan to put electric taxis on the road, give unemployed youth a dignified income, and cut the smoke that chokes Punjab’s cities every winter. Phase 1 is complete, the first keys have been handed over in Lahore, and the question every hopeful driver is asking is the same: when does Phase 2 begin?
The scheme was launched on 26 February 2026 by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif under the CM Transport Vision 2030. The government allocated a subsidy of Rs 4 billion, and the first phase alone covers 1,100 electric taxis, locally assembled by Dewan Motors.
What makes this scheme different from a simple vehicle loan is the structure of the support. The government pays half of the down payment for male drivers and 60 percent for women, and the rest is repaid in interest-free instalments over five years. For a young person with a licence and no capital, that turns an impossible purchase into a realistic monthly plan.
| Detail | Punjab E-Taxi Scheme 2026 |
|---|---|
| Launched | 26 February 2026 |
| Launched by | Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif |
| Phase 1 taxis | 1,100 electric taxis |
| Government subsidy | Rs 4 billion |
| Maximum financing | Rs 6,500,000 per vehicle |
| Phase 1 status | Registration closed; balloting completed |
| Official portal | e-taxi.punjab.gov.pk |
What Phase 1 Delivered
Phase 1 of the scheme covers 1,100 electric taxis. The first batch of keys was handed over in Lahore, marking the moment the scheme moved from announcement to the road. These battery-powered vehicles replace petrol and diesel trips and help cut the smoke that chokes Punjab’s cities each winter.
- Registrations: more than 66,000 people registered their initial interest.
- Verified applications: around 28,000 verified applications were considered in the balloting.
Who Got the 1,100 Taxis
The 1,100 taxis were divided into three clear groups, and the split shows what the government was trying to achieve.
- Fleet operators: 1,000 taxis went to fleet operators who run multiple vehicles under one business.
- Individual male drivers: 70 taxis were reserved for individual male drivers.
- Individual female drivers: 30 taxis were reserved for individual female drivers.
- Women’s share: 30 percent of the taxis in the scheme are reserved for women overall.
- Balloting: the draw among verified applicants has been completed for Phase 1.
The women’s quota matters most here. Women drivers remain rare on Punjab’s roads, and a reserved share plus a higher down-payment subsidy gives them a genuine opening into ride-hailing work.
Money: Down Payment, Instalments and Subsidy
The financial package is the reason the scheme attracted tens of thousands of applicants. The government covers 50 percent of the down payment for men and 60 percent for women, removing the largest single barrier to owning a vehicle. The balance is then paid back in interest-free instalments spread over five years.
- Maximum financing: Rs 6,500,000 per vehicle.
- Total subsidy: Rs 4 billion allocated to the scheme.
- Earnings: drivers earn through ride-hailing platforms, and instalments are designed so earnings can cover the monthly payment.
Who Can Apply for Phase 2
Phase 2 has not been announced yet, but the Phase 1 rules show who should prepare.
- Domicile and CNIC: Punjab domicile and a valid CNIC.
- Age: between 21 and 45 years of age.
- Licence: a valid commercial LTV or HTV licence.
- Platform registration: registration with a Transport Network Company such as Uber, Careem, InDrive or Yango.
How the Balloting Worked
With more than 66,000 initial registrations and only 1,100 taxis, a transparent draw was the only fair way to choose. Around 28,000 applications passed verification and entered the balloting.
The balloting for Phase 1 has been completed. No new names can be added to the Phase 1 list, and anyone who applied should check the official portal for their result rather than trusting messages or calls from strangers. The government has not announced a date for Phase 2, so any message claiming one should be treated with caution until it appears on the official portal.
What Phase 2 Could Mean
Phase 1 proved two things: the demand for electric taxis is enormous, and the model works. More than 66,000 registrations against 1,100 vehicles shows a gap that Phase 2 could help to close, and electric taxis fit the province’s wider clean-transport push, which includes electric buses and a crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles.
Until Phase 2 is announced, the sensible move for interested drivers is preparation. Keep the CNIC valid, hold a commercial licence, stay registered with a ride-hailing platform, and check the official portal regularly.
Contact and Helpline Details
| Contact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official portal | e-taxi.punjab.gov.pk |
| Scheme | Punjab E-Taxi Scheme, under CM Transport Vision 2030 |
| Vehicle supplier | Dewan Motors (locally assembled electric vehicles) |
Conclusion
The Punjab E-Taxi Scheme 2026 has completed a strong first phase: 1,100 electric taxis, a completed balloting among around 28,000 verified applicants, and keys handed over in Lahore. Phase 1 registration is closed and Phase 2 has not been announced yet. Drivers who want a taxi next phase should prepare documents now and watch only the official portal for the announcement.
FAQs
Is the Punjab E-Taxi Scheme 2026 Phase 1 registration still open?
No. Phase 1 registration is closed and the balloting has been completed.
How many electric taxis were given in Phase 1?
Phase 1 covers 1,100 electric taxis: 1,000 for fleet operators, 70 for individual male drivers and 30 for individual female drivers.
How much of the down payment does the government pay?
The government covers 50 percent for men and 60 percent for women, with interest-free instalments over five years.
What is the age limit for applicants?
Applicants must be between 21 and 45 years old, with a Punjab domicile, a valid CNIC and a valid commercial LTV or HTV licence.
Has Phase 2 been announced?
No. Phase 2 has not been announced yet. Check the official portal at e-taxi.punjab.gov.pk for updates.
The editor of epdpunjab.pk, covering the Environment Protection & Climate Change Department, Punjab and the CM Punjab Climate Leadership Development Internship Program 2026, with information verified from official sources.
