Key Points
- Central Government to deploy 11,000 electric buses across 5 major Indian cities under the PM E-Drive scheme.
- Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Surat to receive new fleets, boosting clean urban mobility.
- The initiative is part of a larger plan to roll out 14,028 e-buses by March 2026 at a cost of ₹10,900 crore.
- Electric buses promise reduced pollution, lower operating costs, and a more comfortable travel experience.
- The project highlights strong coordination between the central and state governments for a greener future.
New Delhi: In a landmark move towards sustainable and modern public transport, the Central Government has announced the allocation of 11,000 new electric buses to five of India’s largest cities. The initiative, part of the ongoing PM E-Drive scheme, was revealed by Union Heavy Industries and Steel Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy following a high-level review meeting.
Which Cities Will Benefit?
The distribution of these state-of-the-art electric buses will be as follows:
- Bengaluru: 4,500 buses
- Delhi: 2,800 buses
- Hyderabad: 2,000 buses
- Ahmedabad: 1,000 buses
- Surat: 600 buses
This major rollout aims to make urban transportation smarter, cleaner, and more efficient, directly impacting millions of daily commuters.
Building the Future of Urban Transport
Minister Kumaraswamy emphasized that this move is about much more than just new buses. “We are laying the foundation for a green and sustainable future. This is about innovation, environmental protection, and shaping the future of India’s transport system,” he said. The project is a collaborative effort between the central government and state governments including Telangana, Karnataka, Delhi, and Gujarat.
PM E-Drive Scheme: Ambitious Targets
The PM E-Drive scheme sets a target to deploy 14,028 electric buses nationwide by March 2026, with a total investment of ₹10,900 crore. The current phase, focusing on India’s biggest urban centers, is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
Why Electric Buses Matter
The shift to electric buses brings a host of benefits:
- Cleaner Air: Significant reduction in air and noise pollution compared to traditional diesel buses.
- Cost Savings: Lower operating and maintenance costs, making public transport more economical in the long run.
- Climate Action: Decreased greenhouse gas emissions, helping India meet its climate change commitments.
- Better Passenger Experience: Quieter, smoother rides and improved comfort for commuters.
- Healthier Cities: Contributing to a cleaner and healthier urban environment for all residents.
The deployment of these electric buses is expected to begin soon, with cities preparing their infrastructure for charging and maintenance. As India continues its push for green mobility, this initiative stands as a milestone in the journey towards cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable urban transportation.
