The central government has turned down Telangana request for 2,800 electric buses under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme, citing eligibility criteria and other procedural constraints. The proposal was part of the state’s plan to strengthen green mobility in urban areas.
Submitted earlier this year, Telangana proposal aimed to deploy electric buses across several cities, including Hyderabad, Warangal, and Karimnagar. However, the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries stated that the state failed to meet the required documentation and compliance standards under the scheme’s guidelines.
Officials from the state transport department expressed disappointment, noting that Telangana was aiming to accelerate its public transport electrification plans. They argued that the addition of e-buses would have helped reduce emissions and operational costs for state-run TSRTC.
The Centre, however, approved proposals from 181 cities in other states, allocating over 10,000 e-buses under the scheme. Telangana exclusion has raised concerns over parity in resource distribution and state–Centre coordination in driving the national EV agenda.
Despite the setback, Telangana government affirmed its commitment to sustainable mobility. The state may now explore alternative funding models or public-private partnerships to achieve its e-bus goals independently.
Transport analysts suggest that the rejection may prompt state governments to be more rigorous in meeting central scheme criteria. Meanwhile, Telangana push for greener public transport remains on track, albeit with altered timelines and strategies.
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