In a significant move towards bolstering eco-friendly transportation options and reducing carbon emissions, the union cabinet has given its nod to the “PM-eBus Sewa” initiative. This visionary scheme, aimed at fostering green mobility in numerous urban centers, was announced by Union Minister Anurag Thakur during a press briefing on Wednesday.
One of the primary goals of the PM-eBus Sewa is to revitalize city bus operations, with a particular emphasis on cities lacking an organized bus service. Anurag Thakur revealed that 10,000 electric buses (e-buses) will be rolled out across 169 cities under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Notably, this initiative will be extended to cities with inadequate urban bus services, prioritizing the expansion of transportation options in these areas.
In a landmark decision promoting green urban mobility, PM @narendramodi Ji-led Union Cabinet approved the ₹57,613 crore PM-eBus Sewa today.
The scheme will roll out 10,000 new electric buses in 169 cities enabling seamless and environment-friendly commuting. pic.twitter.com/2fE1qzshi6
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 16, 2023
The scheme is an integral part of the Green Urban Mobility Initiatives, which envisions upgrading the infrastructure of 181 cities. This holistic approach seeks to transform the urban transportation landscape, making it more environmentally sustainable and efficient.
An e-bus, in the context of this scheme, refers to a bus that relies solely on zero-emission electricity for both its propulsion and accessory systems. By deploying such e-buses, the government aims to curtail the environmental impact of traditional internal combustion engine vehicles and advance the nation’s journey towards a cleaner and greener future.
The PM-eBus Sewa initiative comes with an estimated cost of ₹57,613 crore, with the Central government committing ₹20,000 crore to the cause. This funding will span a decade to ensure seamless bus operations, as stated in an official press release.
Minister Anurag Thakur elucidated that the program would be executed in two distinct segments. In the first segment, encompassing 169 cities, 10,000 e-buses will hit the streets, courtesy of the PPP model. To complement this, the second segment will focus on the enhancement of infrastructure in 181 cities under the banner of green urban mobility.
For the first segment, comprehensive depot infrastructure will be either constructed or upgraded, incorporating vital elements like behind-the-meter power facilities such as substations. In the second segment, the efforts will concentrate on augmenting bus priority systems, infrastructure development, multimodal interchange facilities, automated fare collection systems, and charging infrastructure.
The scheme’s ambit encompasses cities with a population exceeding three lakh, encompassing all Union Territory capitals, and states located in the northeastern and hill regions of the country.
With responsibility for bus services and operator payments resting with states and cities, the Central government will provide necessary subsidies as stipulated within the scheme. The initiative is projected to generate between 45,000 and 55,000 direct job opportunities, according to the official statement.
By adopting electric mobility services, India aims to tackle noise and air pollution in its urban landscapes and rein in carbon emissions. Additionally, the scheme is anticipated to introduce economies of scale through the aggregated procurement of electric buses, thereby fostering a more sustainable and efficient urban transportation ecosystem.
