Indian government has approved the deployment of 10,900 electric buses across major cities under the PM E-Drive scheme.
Bengaluru leads with an allocation of 4,500 buses, followed by Delhi with 2,800, Hyderabad with 2,000, Ahmedabad with 1,000, and Surat with 600. However, Pune, despite its pressing need for an expanded bus fleet, has not been included in this allocation. The PM E-Drive initiative aims to deploy a total of 14,028 electric buses nationwide, backed by a financial outlay of ₹10,900 crore over two years. The scheme focuses on enhancing public transport in cities with populations exceeding four million, targeting a shift towards cleaner and more efficient mobility solutions.
Pune’s exclusion is particularly concerning given the city’s longstanding challenges with public transportation. The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) has been operating with a fleet of approximately 2,000 buses since 2022, despite studies indicating a requirement of over 4,500 buses to meet current demand. The Comprehensive Mobility Plan developed by Pune Metro and Assystem suggests an even higher need, estimating that 6,228 buses are necessary based on Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs guidelines. Efforts have been made to address this shortfall. In October 2024, a proposal for 1,000 electric buses was submitted to the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries. However, according to officials, the approval process requires the state government’s proposal to be forwarded to the ministry, a step that appears to be pending.
The situation is further exacerbated by operational challenges within PMPML. Commuters have expressed frustration over frequent bus delays, breakdowns, and inadequate infrastructure. In response to rising operational costs, PMPML announced a fare hike effective June 1, doubling the minimum fare from ₹5 to ₹10. This decision has been met with public outcry, with many arguing that service improvements should precede any fare increases. The central government’s allocation strategy under the PM E-Drive scheme underscores a commitment to enhancing urban mobility through sustainable means. However, Pune’s omission raises questions about the criteria for allocation and the mechanisms in place to ensure equitable distribution of resources. As cities like Bengaluru and Delhi make strides towards greener public transport, Pune’s residents continue to grapple with inadequate services and infrastructural deficits.
For Pune to align with national sustainability goals and improve its public transportation network, prompt action is required from both state and central authorities. This includes expediting proposal submissions, addressing operational inefficiencies, and ensuring that future allocations under schemes like PM E-Drive consider the pressing needs of cities currently underserved.
No E-Buses for Pune in Rs 10,900 Crore National Green Transport Push
