India has embarked on one of the world’s most ambitious electric public transport initiatives. With the recent rollout of the PM E-Drive Scheme. Aiming to deploy 14,028 electric buses across major cities by March 2026. Launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This initiative represents a significant step toward sustainable urban mobility and a cleaner environment. With a total financial outlay of ₹10,900 crore.
Major Features of the PM E-Drive Scheme
- Deployment Target: 14,028 electric buses across the country by March 2026.
- Financial Expenditure: ₹10,900 crore allocated for the scheme. Including incentives for charging infrastructure and upgrading testing agencies.
- Implementation Schedule: April 2024 – March 2026.
City Allotments:
- Bengaluru: 4,500 buses (highest share)
- Delhi: 2,800 buses
- Hyderabad: 2,000 buses
- Ahmedabad: 1,000 buses
- Surat: 600 buses.
- Charging Infrastructure: ₹2,000 crore for public charging stations. More than 25,000 EV charging points already installed across the country.
Industry and Expert Reactions
The plan has been received with great enthusiasm. Especially by city authorities and urban transport experts. In recent times, Bengaluru will see an addition of 4,500 e-buses to its fleet. Taking the city’s bus fleet over 10,000. Correcting long-standing public transport shortages.
PM E-Drive Scheme Framework and Advantages
- Incentives: The PM E-Drive Scheme offers advance incentives to electric vehicle buyers. Such as buses, with payments to manufacturers by the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
- Domestic Manufacturing: Mandates are part of the scheme for encouraging local manufacturing of electric vehicles. Components under a phased manufacturing program.
- Eligibility: The scheme caters to e-buses, e-2 wheelers, e-3 wheelers (e-rickshaws and e-carts), e-ambulances, e-trucks, and charging infrastructure.
ELCTRIK Speaks
PM E-Drive Scheme is a watershed moment in India’s urban transportation sector. With the intention of lowering emissions, enhancing air quality. Leading the world in large-scale adoption of electric mobility. Through robust central-state cooperation and a commitment to innovation, the initiative.
