Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, along with her father and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, chaired a crucial meeting focused on enhancing the transportation infrastructure in the province, including an underground train project in Lahore and the implementation of metro bus projects in three cities of Punjab.
During the meeting, the chief minister emphasized the need for meticulous planning for the underground train project in Lahore and sought a detailed plan in this regard. Furthermore, decisions were made regarding the metro bus projects in three cities of Punjab, with detailed briefings provided on various aspects of transportation, including the allocation of bikes for students.
Nawaz Sharif directed authorities to increase the number of motorbikes available for students and ensure that the monthly installments for these bikes are kept at a minimum to ease the financial burden on students. He reiterated that it was the government's responsibility to support students financially.
In line with these directives, it was announced that 19,000 petrol bikes and 1,000 electric bikes would be provided to students possessing the relevant licences on interest-free monthly installments. The installment amounts for petrol bikes will be less than Rs5,000, while for e-bikes, it will be less than Rs10,000.
Furthermore, a quota system has been fixed to ensure equal opportunities for male and female students, with a 50% allocation each in cities and a 70% quota for male students and 30% for female students in villages.
Additionally, plans were outlined to operate 27 fully electric buses in Lahore, aligning with the government's efforts to promote eco-friendly transportation solutions.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz instructed authorities to announce the receipt of applications for the bike scheme before Eid, facilitating widespread participation in the initiative and ensuring timely distribution of bikes to eligible students across Punjab.
