The Indian government has initiated the PM e-Drive scheme, aiming to deploy over 10,000 electric buses across major cities, including Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Surat.
This ambitious project underscores India’s commitment to reducing urban pollution and promoting eco-friendly public transportation. The scheme allocates approximately 4,500 electric buses to Bengaluru, 2,800 to Delhi, 2,000 to Hyderabad, 1,000 to Ahmedabad, and 600 to Surat. These deployments are part of the current phase of the PM e-Drive Scheme, which aims to significantly reduce urban pollution while modernising the public transport system. Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, emphasized the government’s dedication to environmentally responsible urban development. He highlighted that the initiative is not merely about distributing electric buses but about shaping the future of India’s transport system with innovation and environmental consciousness. The Centre–State coordination is pivotal to ensuring the success of this initiative.
The PM e-Drive initiative aims to deploy a total of 14,028 electric buses across India with a financial outlay of INR 10,900 crore over two years, from April 2024 to March 2026. It stands as one of the world’s most ambitious national-level programmes to electrify public transportation. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has reaffirmed its commitment to timely delivery, operational efficiency, and strong partnerships with all participating states. This move aligns with global trends towards sustainable transportation solutions and positions India as a leader in the electric mobility revolution. The deployment of electric buses is expected to not only reduce carbon emissions but also enhance the quality of urban life by providing cleaner, quieter, and more efficient public transport options.
As the PM e-Drive scheme progresses, it is anticipated that other cities across India will follow suit, contributing to a nationwide transformation in urban mobility. The success of this initiative will depend on effective implementation, robust infrastructure, and continued collaboration between the central and state governments. In conclusion, the PM e-Drive scheme represents a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards sustainable urban development. By embracing electric mobility, the country is taking significant steps to combat climate change, improve air quality, and create equitable urban spaces for all citizens.
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