NEW DELHI: The PM e-DRIVE scheme, launched on 29 September 2024, is set to significantly reduce emissions from public transport, with a budget allocation of Rs. 4,391 crore for deploying 14,028 electric buses across nine major Indian cities. These cities, Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Surat, and Pune, each have populations of over 40 lakh and are crucial to the government's strategy to curb pollution in urban areas.
Bengaluru has been allocated the largest share, with 4,500 electric buses set to be deployed under the scheme. The buses are being procured through a competitive bidding process led by Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), and support for their operation will be provided through the Operational Expenditure (OPEX)/Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model, coordinated by the Ministry of Heavy Industries and CESL.
In addition to the deployment of e-buses, the scheme includes a significant push to set up Electric Vehicle Public Charging Stations (EVPCS) across India, with an allocation of Rs. 2,000 crore. These stations will be established along national highways and in metropolitan cities like Bengaluru, encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles by providing convenient charging infrastructure.
The initiative also encourages private entrepreneurs to participate in setting up these charging stations, as the activity is unlicensed. Operational guidelines for the EVPCS were released on 26 September 2025. This push towards electric mobility is part of the government's broader efforts to reduce transportation-related emissions and promote sustainable, green public transport options.
