MAY 22: The Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, recently chaired a high-level meeting to review the rollout of electric buses under the ambitious PM e-Drive Scheme. The session focused on the implementation progress in the states of Telangana, Karnataka, Delhi, and Gujarat, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive urban mobility solutions.
In alignment with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for clean transportation, the meeting emphasized the need for rapid and coordinated action among central and state authorities. The Ministry of Heavy Industries announced the allocation of approximately 4,500 electric buses for Bengaluru, 2,000 for Hyderabad, 2,800 for Delhi, 1,000 for Ahmedabad, and 600 for Surat as part of the current rollout phase.
Expressing gratitude for the leadership of the Prime Minister, Shri Kumaraswamy stated, “Thanks to the foresight and determination of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India is now taking bold strides towards cleaner, smarter, and more efficient public transport systems. Cities across the country are adopting electric buses as a forward-looking mobility solution.”
He further noted that the scheme is more than just a bus deployment program. “We are not merely distributing electric buses—we are reshaping the future of Indian urban transport with innovation and environmental stewardship. The synergy between the Centre and participating states such as Telangana, Karnataka, Delhi, and Gujarat is instrumental in achieving the transformative goals of the PM e-Drive,” he added.
The PM e-Drive Scheme, which commenced in April 2024, aims to deploy a total of 14,028 electric buses across India by March 2026. Backed by a substantial financial outlay of ₹10,900 crore, the initiative stands as one of the largest government-led efforts globally to electrify public transport infrastructure at scale.
The Ministry of Heavy Industries has reiterated its commitment to ensuring timely execution of the scheme. Key focus areas include state-level coordination, operational readiness, and strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of electric buses into the urban transport networks.
With cities now moving decisively toward zero-emission mobility, the PM e-Drive initiative is poised to play a crucial role in India’s broader environmental and technological advancement.