- Under ‘PM-eBus Sewa’, 10,000 Electric Buses Set to Transform 169 Cities in 5-6 Months
- Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, unveiled this project that promises to modernize city transit
Under the leadership of the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, India’s ‘PM-eBus Sewa’ initiative is all set to change the way citizens navigate urban landscapes. This transformative plan, executed in collaboration with both central and state governments along with service providers, aims to provide state-of-the-art air-conditioned electric buses in 169 cities. The implementation deadline is rapidly approaching, with states having until September 30 to submit their proposals, making it a dynamic and fast-paced endeavor.
A key feature of this scheme is the promise of an experience akin to using a metro system. These electric buses will introduce automatic fare systems, making ticketing hassle-free for commuters. Moreover, operators of these eco-friendly buses will receive compensation ranging from Rs 20 to 40 per kilometer, incentivizing the seamless transition to cleaner urban transit solutions.
With the Union Cabinet’s approval, this project carries an estimated cost of Rs 57,613 crore. The central government will contribute Rs 20,000 crore, while the states will share the remaining financial burden. Priority will be accorded to cities that lack organized bus services, marking a concerted effort to bridge urban transportation gaps. Importantly, the ‘PM-eBus Sewa’ initiative is designed for the long haul, with plans in place for its operation until 2037.
The ‘PM-eBus Sewa’ initiative encompasses two pivotal segments: first, an enhancement of city bus services in 169 cities, and second, a thrust towards green urban mobility initiatives in 181 cities. These electric buses will be rolled out in cities with populations ranging from three lakh to 40 lakh, spanning various urban landscapes. The selection process for cities to participate in the scheme will be competitive, ensuring the most deserving candidates make the list.
Anurag Thakur, Union minister, offered insights into the funding allocation. Out of the Rs 20,000 crore earmarked by the Indian government, a substantial Rs 15,930 crore will fund the electric buses, while Rs 2,264 crore will support infrastructure development and related facilities. An additional Rs 1,506 crore will bolster green urban mobility, aligning with the nation’s sustainability goals.
The Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry clarified that cities will take on the responsibility of managing bus services and payments to operators under this scheme. This decentralized approach promises to foster local ownership and accountability, ensuring the success of the ‘PM-eBus Sewa’ initiative in each participating city.
(This article is assisted by Chat GPT)
