In a significant move towards sustainable urban mobility, the Indian government has initiated the PM e-Drive Scheme, aiming to deploy 14,028 electric buses across the country. With a financial outlay of ₹10,900 crore, the scheme is set to be implemented over two years, from April 2024 to March 2026. The initiative was announced following a high-level meeting chaired by Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, focusing on the rollout strategies for states including Telangana, Karnataka, Delhi, and Gujarat.
Under the current phase, major urban centers are slated to receive substantial allocations: Bengaluru is set to get approximately 4,500 electric buses, Delhi 2,800, Hyderabad 2,000, Ahmedabad 1,000, and Surat 600. These allocations are part of the government’s broader vision to enhance public transport infrastructure and reduce urban air pollution through the adoption of electric mobility solutions.
The PM e-Drive Scheme is among the world’s largest national efforts to electrify public transport at scale. It aims to transition from fossil fuel-based transport to cleaner alternatives, thereby improving commuter experience and last-mile connectivity in urban areas. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has assured all participating states of its commitment to timely delivery, operational readiness, and long-term collaboration.
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy emphasized the government’s dedication to sustainable urban mobility, stating, “Thanks to the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India is now taking bold strides toward sustainable urban mobility. From Bengaluru to Delhi, cities are actively embracing electric buses to make public transport cleaner, smarter, and more efficient.”
The scheme also plans to enhance the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the nation, with Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) set to lead the rollout and demand mapping. This move is expected to support the growing fleet of electric buses and ensure seamless operations.
As the PM e-Drive Scheme progresses, the government anticipates a significant reduction in urban air pollution and a boost in the adoption of electric vehicles, marking a pivotal step towards a greener and more sustainable future for India’s transportation sector.
