Govt new scheme: 10,000 electric buses to be operational for public transport

Union Minister Anurag Thakur informed the press that PM Narendra Modi approved the 'PM e-Bus Sewa', - government's latest scheme. Through this scheme, the government wants to increase city bus operations by 10,000 in 169 cities. PM e-Bus Seva has been approved. This project would be carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 57,613 crore out of which, the Centre will fund Rs 20,000 crore. Thakur said, “Buses procurement will be done under the PPP model. There will be competitive bidding and private players can come forward.”

Thakur said 100 cities out of 169 will be selected for the scheme. This initiative is launched, keeping in mind the environment, and current and future transportation needs. This will provide a big boost to green mobility. The minister said the government will give additional buses to those states who intend to scrap old buses. He added procurement, operation and management of these buses will be done through PPP mode via competitive bidding.

The scheme will support the city bus operations for a duration of 10 years. Cities with over three lakh population, including all the capital cities of union territories, northeastern region and hill states will be included under this initiative. Preference will be given to cities that have no organised bus service. It will create employment opportunities for almost 45,000 to 55,000 individuals who will be working for the 10,000 buses city operations.

It envisages green initiatives like bus priority, infrastructure, multimodal interchange facilities, NCMC-based Automated Fare Collection Systems, charging infrastructure, etc. This project is expected to promote e-mobility and provide full support for behind-the-meter power infrastructure.