The Punjab government has officially banned the purchase of new petrol and diesel vehicles for government departments across the province. The policy mandates that all new official vehicles must be electric or hybrid in a move aimed at promoting cleaner and environmentally friendly transport. Vehicles already in use for essential field duties are exempt from this ban.
Electric Vehicle Policy and Implementation
This decision is part of Punjab’s broader push towards electric mobility. A new Electric Vehicle policy is expected to be announced soon to support government departments and encourage the transition to greener transport solutions.
Impact on Government Departments
Under this policy all government departments will now be required to procure only EVs or hybrid vehicles for official use. This is intended to reduce carbon emissions lower fuel costs and promote sustainability in the public sector.
Petrol Pump Regulations
Alongside the vehicle ban the Punjab government has made approval of new petrol pumps conditional on installing EV charging stations. Currently 170 NOCs have been issued for new petrol pumps across 31 cities all of which must provide facilities for electric vehicle charging.
Environmental and Economic Goals
The ban is a strategic step to promote green energy adoption reduce pollution and accelerate the use of electric vehicles in Punjab. Authorities aim to create an eco friendly transport ecosystem and set an example for other provinces.
Summary
The Punjab government’s ban on petrol and diesel vehicles for official use is a major initiative to shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles support EV infrastructure and promote sustainable transportation across the province.