PM-eBus Sewa: Cabinet approves Rs 57,613 crore to run 10,000 electric buses

Digital Desk: The Cabinet approved the 'PM-eBus Sewa' programme on Wednesday, with an allocation of Rs 57,613 crore, in a significant step towards fostering green mobility, according to Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur.

Around 10,000 new e-buses will be deployed in 100 cities around the country as part of the scheme. The cities will be chosen through a competitive challenge format by the government to deploy electric bus services.

"Priority will be given to cities with no organised bus service for augmenting city bus operations," Thakur stated.

The initiative makes it easier to implement Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models by allowing private sector firms to actively participate in funding, acquiring, operating, and maintaining buses across the country.

Thakur stated that the initiative will fund bus operations for ten years.  The Central government will contribute Rs 20,000 crore to the scheme, with the balance of funds coming from state governments. The money will most likely be gone by 2027.

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In addition, he stated that Green Urban Mobility Initiatives will modernise infrastructure in 181 cities. The approved plan includes the construction of Bus Rapid Transit Service (BRTS) lines to improve the efficiency and accessibility of public transportation. These corridors will serve as dedicated routes for e-buses, ensuring passengers have a smooth and uninterrupted journey.

The government additionally disclosed the construction and deployment of the National Common Mobility Card, which would streamline travel across multiple means of public transport, providing commuters with a seamless and user-friendly experience.