LAHORE: The Punjab government has launched the Green Mobility Initiative, introducing a sustainable e-bike sharing programme designed to modernise urban transit and combat air pollution in Lahore.

Funded entirely through a private investment model with an initial capital injection of Rs8.1 billion, the landmark project placed zero financial burden on the public exchequer.

To formalise the initiative, a signing ceremony was held at the civil secretariat on Thursday, where Lahore Horticulture Agency Director General Raja Mansoor Ahmad signed the agreement on behalf of the government. The event was attended by the Punjab chief secretary alongside the Housing secretary, Lahore deputy commissioner, the chief traffic officer and other senior officials.

Under the initiative, a total of 50,000 electric bikes would be deployed across Lahore in a phased manner over the next 18 months. To support this fleet, 1,500 smart docking stations would be established at strategic locations, including public parks, green belts, and major urban hubs. The first phase would begin immediately with the deployment of 10,000 electric bikes to provide commuters with accessible, low-cost, and eco-friendly transport options.

Over the next 18 months, 50,000 e-bikes will be deployed across Lahore in a phased manner

The initiative carries significant ecological weight for a city regularly impacted by poor air quality. Transitioning to e-bikes is estimated to reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 5,000 tonnes, substantially aiding efforts to mitigate urban smog. Beyond its environmental benefits, the project is expected to help curtail the national fuel import bill and stimulate the local economy by creating new, sustainable employment opportunities.

The financial structure also includes a clear revenue-sharing and carbon credit framework. The horticulture agency will retain a 50 percent share in carbon credits, while the horticulture agency, the Lahore Parking Company, and the Transport Department will each receive a 5 percent share of the project’s operational revenues.

From a technological standpoint, the system incorporates advanced safety and operational features to ensure seamless efficiency. The fleet will utilise a modern battery-swapping model to eliminate charging downtime, allowing users to quickly replace depleted batteries. Commuters will access the system via a dedicated mobile application integrated with real-time GPS tracking and monitoring.

In order to ensure security and maintain transparency, user access will require strict verification through the computerised national identity card (CNIC). Finally, in an effort to provide financial relief to citizens amidst inflationary pressures, the tariff structure has been kept highly affordable, setting the fare at Rs25 for the first kilometer and Rs15 for each subsequent kilometer.

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2026