India plans to deploy over 14,000 electric buses to transform public transport

In India, a significant initiative has been launched to revolutionize urban transportation through the deployment of electric buses. Chaired by Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, a meeting was convened to discuss the PM e-Drive Scheme, which is set to transform transit in major cities. With an initial rollout expected to take place in key urban areas, the initiative aims to allocate approximately 4,500 electric buses to Bengaluru, 2,000 to Hyderabad, 2,800 to Delhi, 1,000 to Ahmedabad, and 600 to Surat. Following a governmental strategy to modernize public transport while combating climate change, the deployment underscores India's commitment to reducing carbon emissions in urban areas. Kumaraswamy highlighted the importance of this project by stating that it is more than just allocation, but rather a shift toward sustainable urban mobility. The initiative reflects strong collaboration between state and federal governments, especially with states like Telangana, Karnataka, Delhi, and Gujarat playing pivotal roles. The PM e-Drive Scheme is financially backed with a significant outlay of ₹10,900 crore, aiming to deploy electric buses between April 2024 and March 2026. This bold move is a part of India's broader strategy to enhance the efficiency and cleanliness of public transportation systems, ensuring that cities take proactive steps towards innovation and environmental sustainability.