Web Desk: The Punjab government has brought together public agencies, businesses and other stakeholders to examine plans for expanding electric transport and developing a carbon-credit mechanism under the Punjab Clean Air Program.
The consultation, held Monday, focused on a proposed rollout of about 120,000 electric two- and three-wheelers across the province through financing arrangements designed to make the vehicles more affordable.
Officials and industry representatives discussed low-cost installment plans and other financing options aimed at helping commuters and commercial users shift from conventional vehicles to electric alternatives.
The proposed transition is intended to cut transport-related emissions while potentially allowing Punjab to earn tradable carbon credits from verified reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
The participants also examined measures to support the wider use of electric vehicles, including the development of charging infrastructure and systems for handling used batteries.
The consultation considered ways to ensure that women and lower-income communities can access the financing and vehicles under the proposed program.
Another key area of discussion was the creation of a transparent framework to quantify and document emission reductions.
The proposed system would measure, report and independently verify the environmental gains generated by the electric-vehicle initiative. This would allow the project to pursue carbon credits under the Verified Carbon Standard, an internationally recognized framework administered by Verra.
Officials said reliable monitoring and verification would be essential to establish the amount of emissions avoided and determine the project’s eligibility for carbon-market participation.
Representatives from Punjab’s environment, excise, transport and planning departments attended the consultation alongside officials from the Bank of Punjab.
Vehicle manufacturers and dealers, battery-swapping companies, financial institutions, civil society representatives and consumers also participated in the discussions.
The government said feedback gathered during the meeting would be incorporated into project documents and procedures governing implementation.
The initiative forms part of the Punjab Clean Air Program’s broader strategy to address smog and reduce vehicle emissions and other sources of air pollution across the province.
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