- Union Government launches biggest tender under Prime Minister e-Drive Scheme for 10,900 electric buses.
- Five cities to get buses: Bengaluru (4,500), Delhi (2,800), Hyderabad (2,000), Ahmedabad (1,000), Surat (600).
- Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) manages tender under a Gross Cost Contract for long-term service guarantee.
PM E-Drive Scheme is moving forward, with the Union Government announcing its biggest tender to date to electrify public bus fleets in five major Indian cities. This tender plans to put 10,900 electric buses into service in Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Surat as part of a strong push towards eco-friendly urban transport and India97s climate goals.
Cities and Bus Allocations under PM e-Drive Scheme
The electrification plan targets key cities dealing with public transport problems and pollution. Bengaluru leads with the biggest share of 4,500 buses, followed by Delhi with 2,800. Hyderabad will get 2,000 buses, Ahmedabad will receive 1,000, and Surat will have 600 buses. These electric buses, available in both AC and non-AC types, are expected to improve public transport and lower carbon emissions in these cities.
| City | Electric Buses Allocated |
|---|---|
| Bengaluru | 4,500 |
| Delhi | 2,800 |
| Hyderabad | 2,000 |
| Ahmedabad | 1,000 |
| Surat | 600 |
Tender Details and Bus Features
The tender calls for electric buses in 9-meter and 12-meter sizes. Each bus has a guaranteed yearly service of 64,800 km for the 9-meter model and 72,000 km for the 12-meter model, secured for 12 years. This will make sure the bus service is strong and dependable across the cities. The tender invites manufacturers to supply efficient and long-lasting electric buses that meet the government quality and performance standards under this important scheme.
EV Buses Tender PDF under PM E- Drive Scheme
Role of Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL)
Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL), owned by the Union Ministry of Power, New and Renewable Energy, is handling the tender. CESL uses a Gross Cost Contract model, similar to what used in the PM-eBus Sewa scheme for smaller cities. This model makes sure operational risks and service quality are managed while guaranteeing payments to bus operators, encouraging manufacturers and fleet operators to take part. CESL plays an important role in organizing the buying and deployment of these electric buses.
EV Charging Infrastructure and State Readiness
To support this electric bus fleet, the government has created an evaluation matrix to rate states on their preparedness and support for electric vehicle adoption. This matrix looks at three main areas: current EV policies, how many electric vehicles are in use, and the support for setting up EV charging stations. This motivates states to upgrade their EV environment and helps the smooth running and maintenance of the new buses.
Also Read – PM Modi AC Yojana 2025 – Exchange Old AC with New 5-Star AC & Save Electricity
Government Vision for Electrification and Net-Zero Goals
The Prime Minister e-Drive scheme matches India bigger plan to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. Approved in September 2024 by the Cabinet, this scheme also includes buying 14,028 e-buses, along with millions of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, showing a big push towards electrification in the transport sector. The PM e-Drive builds on earlier schemes like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME) program to change urban travel and cut pollution significantly.
This latest tender is a big step in India path to cleaner transport and eco-friendly urban infrastructure. If you live in one of these cities, you can expect greener and more efficient public buses coming your way soon under this plan.