MAY 16: The Ministry of Heavy Industries has received a formal proposal from the Government of Karnataka for the allocation of electric buses under the PM E-Drive initiative, a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at accelerating clean and sustainable urban transportation in India. Karnataka’s Transport Minister Shri Ramalinga Reddy formally submitted the request, highlighting the urgent need to enhance public transport infrastructure in key urban centers across the state.
Responding promptly, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy, assured the state of complete support from the Centre. In a meeting with senior ministry officials, the Union Minister confirmed that the allocation process under the PM E-Drive initiative is actively in progress and that Karnataka will be among the states to receive electric buses in a phased and prioritised rollout.
“I assure the people of Karnataka that their need for clean and modern public transport will be met. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the transformation of India’s public mobility is well underway,” Shri Kumaraswamy stated. “Karnataka will be an important part of this green transition.”
The PM E-Drive initiative is set to deploy 14,028 electric buses across nine major Indian cities, with a total financial outlay of ₹10,900 crore for the period from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2026. The program represents a significant step in India’s mission to reduce emissions, promote sustainable transport, and improve the quality of urban life.
Deliberations between the central and state governments have also focused on the supporting ecosystem required for the e-bus deployment. Key topics included the development of charging infrastructure, upgrading of depots, and maintenance capabilities to ensure seamless operations post-deployment. Both sides discussed implementation strategies aimed at expediting rollout while maintaining operational efficiency.
Shri Kumaraswamy emphasized that the initiative is not just about distributing buses but about building a modern, cleaner, and more inclusive transport system for the citizens. “We are committed to ensuring Karnataka is well-equipped to become a leader in green mobility,” he added.
The Ministry of Heavy Industries reiterated its commitment to collaborate closely with state governments and stakeholders to achieve the goals of the PM E-Drive mission.