The Punjab Transport Department has announced a major initiative to reduce air pollution in Lahore by converting old motorcycles into electric bikes.

Transport Secretary Ahmed Javed Qazi confirmed that the government would pay half of the conversion cost for motorcycle owners. The conversion process will replace the traditional petrol engines with battery-powered systems, significantly reducing emissions and contributing to cleaner air.

He said a successful trial has already been conducted, with old petrol bikes successfully converted into electric models. The project will officially begin after testing, which is currently being carried out by the University of Engineering and Technology (UET). He said that from October to January, all petrol bikes will be run on batteries.

The bikes to be manufactured are being tested by the UET Engineering Department, he explained, adding that after testing, the plan to convert old bikes into electric bikes will be launched.

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Qazi said that work is underway on the Punjab Clean Air Program along with the World Bank, while funds have been allocated for the electric bike conversion project also in the program.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has expanded its electric bike initiative, increasing the number of bikes available for students from 20,000 to 27,200, with a focus on female students. The Transport Department has also announced that all female students who apply will now be eligible to receive an electric bike.

The initiative, aimed at providing affordable transportation to students, especially those from low-income backgrounds, was first introduced in March, with the Punjab cabinet approving the distribution of 20,000 electric bikes.

However, in response to overwhelming demand, the government has raised the number of bikes to 27,200. This includes both electric and petrol-powered bikes to cater to the diverse needs of students across the province.