347 Electric Buses Sanctioned for Punjab Under PM-eBus Sewa Scheme
Punjab is set to receive 347 electric buses under the centrally sponsored PM-eBus Sewa Scheme. This initiative aims to transform public transport and enhance environmental sustainability across four key cities: Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Patiala.
According to Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu, the cities will be receiving a significant boost to their public transport infrastructure. Amritsar and Ludhiana are each slated to receive 100 electric buses, Jalandhar will get 97, and Patiala will receive 50 buses. This allocation is part of the broader vision of the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme, which was launched on August 16, 2023, with the goal of deploying 10,000 electric buses across India through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
The scheme is supported by a massive ₹20,000 crore central assistance, aiming to overhaul the country’s public transport sector and make it more eco-friendly. The addition of these 347 electric buses is expected to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of public transport in Punjab while improving air quality and easing congestion in these major urban areas. MP Sanjeev Arora, who represents Ludhiana in the Rajya Sabha, welcomed the news and lauded the initiative for its dual benefits: improving public transportation and fostering a greener environment. Arora emphasised that the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme will offer a cleaner, more efficient mode of transport for residents of these cities, which will have long-term benefits for both the environment and the economy. “This initiative will not only enhance public transport infrastructure but also contribute to a greener environment. I look forward to the swift implementation of the scheme to benefit the people of Ludhiana and other participating cities,” he remarked.
In addition to the electric buses, the Centre has sanctioned ₹45.11 crore to Punjab for the development of essential infrastructure, including civil depot facilities and behind-the-meter power infrastructure needed to support the new fleet. This funding will ensure the smooth operation and maintenance of the electric buses, supporting the long-term viability of the initiative. The introduction of electric buses is part of a nationwide push to transition to cleaner modes of transport and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. By leveraging electric buses, cities will not only combat pollution but also set a strong example of sustainable urban mobility. With electric vehicles becoming an increasingly important part of India’s transportation strategy, the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme stands as a critical step in achieving the nation’s ambitious climate goals.
As cities like Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Patiala eagerly await the arrival of these buses, the broader impact of the scheme is expected to be felt across the state and beyond. Public transport systems will be more reliable, efficient, and sustainable, offering a glimpse of the future of urban mobility in India. With the rapid implementation of such schemes, Punjab is moving towards becoming a model for other states in terms of integrating sustainable transport solutions. As the state begins to roll out its electric buses, citizens can expect to experience cleaner air and reduced noise pollution, contributing to an overall improved quality of life. As the country continues to invest in green initiatives like the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme, the collective efforts towards sustainability can lead to a future where eco-friendly public transport is the norm rather than the exception.
