Central Idea

The Union Cabinet’s recent approval of the PM e-bus Seva scheme marks a significant step towards enhancing urban mobility and promoting green transportation across India.

PM E-Bus Seva: Scheme Overview

E-Bus Definition: The scheme’s core revolves around e-buses, which are buses powered solely by zero-emissions electricity sources for both propulsion and accessory systems.
Scope and Cost: The PM e-bus Sewa scheme is estimated to cost ₹57,613 crore, with the Central government contributing ₹20,000 crore.
Operational Support: The scheme is designed to provide operational support to bus services for a period of 10 years.

Two Segments: The scheme will be executed in two distinct segments:
1. 10,000 E-Buses: In 169 cities, 10,000 e-buses will be introduced through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
2. Infrastructure Upgrades: In 181 other cities, green urban mobility initiatives will focus on improving infrastructure, bus priority, charging infrastructure, multimodal interchange facilities, and automated fare collection systems.
Depot Infrastructure: For the first segment, the development and enhancement of depot infrastructure, including power substations, will be undertaken to support the new e-buses.
Job Creation: The scheme is expected to generate around 45,000 to 55,000 direct jobs, contributing to employment growth.

Coverage: Cities with populations of three lakh and above, Union Territory capitals, as well as northeastern and hill states, are included in the scheme’s ambit.
Funding Model: States or cities will manage bus services and payments to bus operators, with the Central government providing subsidies as outlined in the scheme. This approach promotes decentralized management.

Environmental Benefits: The adoption of electric buses will significantly reduce noise and air pollution, contributing to cleaner and healthier urban environments.
Carbon Emission Reduction: Electric mobility aligns with India’s commitment to curb carbon emissions and combat climate change.
Economies of Scale: Aggregating electric bus procurement is expected to achieve economies of scale, making electric buses more financially viable and encouraging their adoption.

The PM e-bus Sewa scheme signifies India’s ambitious stride towards sustainable and eco-friendly urban mobility.
It also highlights the government’s commitment to job creation, as well as its determination to transform the transportation sector into a cleaner, greener, and more efficient mode of commuting.