LAHORE: The launch of the second phase of the Chief Minister’s E-Bike Scheme has seen an overwhelming response, with 432,000 students registering within the first two days. The initiative, spearheaded by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, aims to provide electric bikes to students across the province.

According to Chief Minister of Punjab, the program has attracted significant interest, with Transport Secretary Imran Sikandar Baloch reporting that applications from 265,000 students are in the submission phase. The processing of more than 108,000 applications has already been completed. The scheme allows students to apply through the official portal until October 4.

Eligibility criteria for the applicants include being a regular student at a public or private degree college or university recognized by the Higher Education Commission, holding a Punjab domicile or CNIC, being at least 18 years old, and possessing a learner’s permit or motorcycle driving license. The initiative is designed to benefit one student per family, with the government waiving the down payment and covering interest and insurance costs. Recipients will make a monthly payment of Rs3,028.

The program also includes the provision of a helmet and safety rod at no additional cost, and two days of training on e-bike usage will be provided. The chief minister has instructed that the delivery of the e-bikes be completed within six weeks of finalizing the application process.