RAWALPINDI: For the distribution of electronic bikes among students under the ‘Chief Minister’s Youth E-Bike Scheme’, a road show ceremony was held at Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU) to showcase the bikes and create awareness among the students to get the facility by April 29.

Provincial Minister for Transport and Mass Transit Punjab, Bilal Akbar Khan, was the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony.

Mr Khan said that the Punjab chief minister aimed to foster student independence by offering affordable bikes so they could commute to their educational institutions.

He noted, “In the first phase, 1000 motorcycles will be given in five cities, including Rawalpindi,” adding that a total of 20,000 bikes will be given to students in two phases, including 19,000 petrol bikes and 1,000 e-bikes.

The provincial transport minister said that a quota of 50% has been kept for female students in this project, as students of government and private colleges and universities will be able to apply.

Mr Khan said that students applying for motorcycles must possess a license; besides, those with a learning license will also be able to apply for a motorcycle. “Till now, 30 percent of the students who have applied to join the bike scheme are female, and more female students should apply, as the last date for registration of the motorbike scheme is April 29th,” he said.

Mr Bilal further remarked that e-motorbike can travel 100 kilometers in one charge and in the first phase, arrangements will be made for charging e-bikes at the university level.

He added that 30 percent of the amount under the scheme will be paid by the Punjab government, and there is no interest on it.

“A student from any province who is studying at any university in Punjab is eligible for the scheme,” the provincial transport minister said, adding that the provision of motorbikes to students is proof of the knowledge and friendship of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Later, while addressing the students, Mr Bilal emphasised that the students were the future of the country and that it was the government’s duty to provide maximum facilities, for which the Punjab chief minister urged the provincial government to utilize all available resources.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2024