In a leap towards zero-emission urban transport, major Indian cities including Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and key centres in Gujarat are preparing to induct over 10,000 electric buses into their public transport fleets under the Government of India’s flagship PM e-Drive scheme.
The move aligns with the country’s broader agenda of fostering sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible mobility systems. The latest development comes as part of the Union Government’s ambitious effort to transform India’s public transport landscape into a cleaner and greener framework. The initiative promises a major boost in electric bus infrastructure in urban centres, which are grappling with worsening air quality and congested traffic networks. Under the new phase of the scheme, Bengaluru is set to receive approximately 4,500 electric buses—one of the largest allocations in the country.
Hyderabad follows with a proposed 2,000 units, while Delhi, known for its proactive stance on electric mobility, is poised to add another 2,800 electric buses to its network. In Gujarat, Ahmedabad and Surat are scheduled to receive 1,000 and 600 buses respectively, reinforcing the state’s transition towards sustainable urban transit. The PM e-Drive programme, which aims to deploy a total of 14,028 electric buses across India by March 2026, comes with a budgetary commitment of ₹10,900 crore. The initiative is not only one of the most ambitious electric mobility missions globally but also a critical component of India’s national climate goals and net-zero commitments.
Officials confirm that implementation will be tightly coordinated with state authorities to ensure timely delivery and readiness. This cooperation is critical to achieving last-mile connectivity, reducing vehicular emissions, and improving public health outcomes, especially in high-density cities where pollution levels remain a key concern. Electric buses are expected to revolutionise how Indian cities think about public mobility. With significantly lower operating costs, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, and minimal environmental impact, these buses offer a future-ready solution to urban India’s complex transport demands.
Each vehicle is expected to operate with zero tailpipe emissions, drastically cutting down on urban air pollutants, which have long been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in heavily populated regions. The deployment also dovetails with India’s ongoing efforts to develop gender-neutral and accessible public transport networks, enabling safer and more inclusive travel for all communities. Beyond environmental benefits, the electrification of public transit under the PM e-Drive scheme is anticipated to create significant employment in manufacturing, operations, and maintenance sectors, further enhancing its socio-economic impact.
As India builds towards a future anchored in sustainable development, this mass deployment of electric buses signals a robust commitment to climate action, public health, and equitable urban growth. The success of this rollout will not only define the next chapter in India’s urban mobility journey but also serve as a benchmark for other nations navigating their own green transitions.
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