The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) government is moving forward with its initiative to introduce and promote electric rickshaws in Peshawar, aiming to create a more sustainable and eco-friendly urban transport system. A key meeting to assess the project’s progress and map out its next steps was recently held under the chairmanship of Adeel Shah, Secretary of the Planning and Development Department.
Read more: Tezmo Motors launches “Made in Pakistan Electric Rickshaws”
Focus on Sustainable Urban Mobility
The introduction of electric rickshaws in Peshawar is part of the provincial government’s broader agenda to modernize Peshawar’s public transport sector while reducing environmental pollution and dependence on fossil fuels. The project is expected to play a significant role in promoting sustainable urban mobility, improving air quality, and providing cost-effective transportation for the city’s residents.
Deliberations on Project Implementation
During the meeting, committee members and key stakeholders held detailed discussions covering several aspects of the initiative. The talks focused on evaluating the projected benefits of e-rickshaws, identifying necessary infrastructure upgrades, and finalizing a comprehensive implementation plan.
Officials highlighted that e-rickshaws, being electrically powered, will significantly cut down on carbon emissions compared to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. They also offer lower operational costs, which can benefit both drivers and passengers.
Infrastructure and Policy Considerations
Participants emphasized the need for supporting infrastructure such as charging stations, battery maintenance facilities, and designated parking areas to ensure the successful adoption of e-rickshaws. The committee also discussed potential policy measures and regulatory frameworks to facilitate the smooth rollout of the project and attract private sector participation.
Economic and Social Impact
In addition to environmental advantages, the e-rickshaw initiative is expected to generate new employment opportunities. Local manufacturers and small-scale entrepreneurs could benefit from assembling, maintaining, and operating these vehicles. Moreover, e-rickshaws are seen as a means to provide affordable last-mile connectivity, especially in congested urban areas where larger vehicles struggle to operate efficiently.
Next Steps
The Planning and Development Department will soon finalize the implementation roadmap, including timelines, pilot testing phases, and partnership models. The government also intends to collaborate with relevant departments and private investors to ensure the project’s sustainability and scalability across Peshawar and, eventually, other districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
A Move Toward a Greener Future
The promotion of e-rickshaws marks a significant step by the KPK government toward cleaner and smarter urban transport. By embracing electric mobility, Peshawar aims to set a precedent for other Pakistani cities seeking to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.
KPK’s E-Rickshaw Initiative in Peshawar vs Punjab e-taxi
With the Punjab model in mind, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s plan to promote e-rickshaws in Peshawar aligns well with the broader national trend toward electric mobility.
In the meeting chaired by Adeel Shah, Secretary Planning & Development in KPK, stakeholders discussed infrastructure upgrades, implementation roadmap, and benefits of e-rickshaws in Peshawar.
Comparative Insights
- While Punjab is focusing on full-size electric taxis (4-wheel EVs) for urban transport, KPK is considering e-rickshaws (likely 3-wheel electric vehicles) which suit last-mile, intra-city or narrower‐street connectivity contexts.
- Both initiatives share goals: reducing pollution, creating jobs, improving transport options.
- KPK can draw lessons from Punjab: the importance of charging infrastructure, vehicle warranties, financing/subsidy models, bundling with ride-hailing platforms or formal regulation.
- For KPK the e-rickshaw model may have different cost/scale dynamics (smaller vehicles, possibly lower cost, perhaps simpler infrastructure) and may focus more on micro-transport or intermediate mobility than full taxi-services.
- The success of Punjab’s model helps build confidence that green mobility schemes can be viable in Pakistani provincial settings; KPK’s initiative fits into this larger trend.
Suggested Implementation Framework for Peshawar (Drawing on Punjab’s Example)
Given the discussions in the KPK meeting, here are suggested elements for KPK’s e-rickshaw rollout in Peshawar, inspired by Punjab’s scheme:
- Target-vehicles & quota: Define the number of e-rickshaws to be introduced in the pilot phase, specifying allocations for drivers, women, youth.
- Financing / subsidy structure: Provide interest-free or low-interest financing, subsidies on vehicle cost, down payment assistance, perhaps special support for women or disadvantaged groups.
- Infrastructure: Deploy charging/battery-swap stations in strategic locations; ensure maintenance workshops and spare-parts supply.
- Regulatory & operational framework: Integrate e-rickshaws into ride-hailing apps or a formal fleet system; mandate trackers/panic buttons; standardise branding.
- Vehicle standards & warranties: Approve EV models with sufficient range, battery warranties, service network; ensure quality and durability.
- Environmental & social metrics: Monitor reduction in fuel usage, emissions; track job creation; assess cost savings for drivers and passengers.
- Scaling plan & monitoring: Start pilot in Peshawar, evaluate, then expand across KPK; build public awareness, involve private sector.