Punjab plans to shift to the environment-friendly electric vehicles in a big way, with the new industrial policy to be significantly focused on the same.
This was announced by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh at a meeting here on Monday with Mahindra & Mahindra Managing Director Pawan Goenka.
Goenka said his company was keenly interested in investing in promoting electric vehicles in Punjab. He suggested a scheme to bring in electric taxis to propagate green energy and generate employment in the state.
The Chief Minister pointed out that Chinese energy major Yinlong also recently discussed with him the possibility of launching electric cars and buses in the state. The government was also in talks with Ola for electric taxis, he added. His government, said Amarinder, was keen to explore electric vehicles as a replacement for the traditional, more polluting petrol and diesel vehicles in the state.
Pleasure meeting Mahindra & Mahindra MD @GoenkaPk, they are interested in expanding their business in Punjab. Will extend all possible help. pic.twitter.com/ncsKrXxldp
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) July 24, 2017
An official spokesperson said after the meeting that a proposal to launch an Uber-like app for tractors, called Tringo, was also discussed. The app would enable owners to rent out their tractors, said the spokesperson. The chief minister responded favourably to Goenka’s request for expansion of their tractor units in Punjab and asked the company to submit a proposal.
The chief minister also reminded Goenka of his suggestion, made to Anand Mahindra in Mumbai, for setting up a defence project in Abohar. Goenka said the company was exploring the same. The chief minister said the government was also considering the company’s proposal to develop the Ranjit Sagar dam resort.
