The government has approved the PM-eBus Sewa scheme to promote green mobility by operating 10,000 electric buses in 100 cities, with priority given to those without organized bus services.
Prime Minister praised the scheme, stating it will redefine urban mobility and strengthen urban transport infrastructure. Focusing on cities without organized bus services, the initiative aims to provide cleaner and more efficient transportation while creating job opportunities.
According to Union Minister, the scheme will receive Rs 57,613 crore in PPP mode, with Rs 20,000 crore from the Centre and the rest from states.
The plan involves deploying 10,000 e-Buses in 169 cities and upgrading infrastructure in 181 cities under Green Urban Mobility.
The scheme will provide financial aid for bus operations per kilometer for 10 years and support for power infrastructure. The Centre will cover 90% of the funding cost in Union Territories, hill states, and the Northeast.
The initiative is expected to create around 45,000 jobs and promote e-mobility while supporting power infrastructure development.
The scheme will be implemented in 100 cities selected from 169 cities with populations between 3 lakh and 40 lakh. Cities will be chosen through a challenge method based on population size.
Cities with populations under 5 lakh will receive 50 buses, those with 5 lakh to 20 lakh will get 100 buses, and those with 20 lakh to 40 lakh will receive 150 buses.
States and cities that scrap old buses will be provided with additional e-buses through competitive bidding in a PPP mode.
The Green Urban Mobility Initiatives will enhance multi-modal interchange facilities, the National Common Mobility Card project, and charging infrastructure in cities through a “Green Mobility Challenge.”
