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 traditional gasoline engines with battery-powered systems, significantly reducing emissions and contributing to cleaner air.

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

The bicycles to be manufactured are tested by the engineering department of UET, he explained, adding that after the tests, the project of converting the old bicycles into electric bicycles will be launched.

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

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

However, in response to massive demand, the government has increased the number of bicycles to 27,200. This includes electric and gas-powered bicycles to meet the diverse needs of students across the province.