The Punjab government has rolled out a financial incentive program offering up to Rs. 100,000 to encourage residents to switch from petrol motorcycles to electric bikes.
As part of the Chief Minister’s Green Credit Program, eligible citizens can receive a green credit of up to Rs. 100,000 by purchasing a new electric motorcycle and registering through the official portal. The initiative aims to cut carbon emissions and promote cleaner transportation across the province.
Program head Rizwana Anjum explained that citizens who buy an electric bike after December 2024 are eligible. Applicants must provide the following details:
A program representative will verify the application in person. Upon successful verification, the beneficiary will receive an initial payment of Rs. 50,000.
To qualify for the second installment of Rs. 50,000, users must connect their electric bike to the Green Credit mobile app. Those who log 6,000 kilometers of travel within six months of registration will receive the remaining amount.
The government aims to convert 2,000 petrol bikes and 250 other vehicles to electric alternatives this fiscal year. This transition is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 8,000 tonnes annually. The broader objective is to shift 30% of Punjab’s transport fleet to electric vehicles by 2030, cutting transport emissions by 20%.
Officials from the Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) clarified that the scheme does not cover retrofitted bikes. Only new electric motorcycles purchased and registered under the program will qualify for the cash incentive.