Jaipur Initiates Trial Runs for New Electric Buses Under PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme
Jaipur City Transport Services Limited (JCTSL) has commenced trial operations for new electric buses, signaling a transformative shift toward eco-friendly public transportation in the Pink City. The trials, which began on Thursday, involve air-conditioned electric buses and will continue until February 28, after which authorities will determine the commencement of regular commercial services.
Technical Evaluation and Operational Assessment
As part of the trial phase, modern electric buses measuring 9 meters and 12 meters are undergoing rigorous testing. The evaluation focuses on technical performance, battery efficiency, charging capacity, and passenger comfort. Officials have deployed two buses for the initial three-day trial, operating them on major city routes to assess load capacity, charging time, and real-time operational feasibility. The first e-bus was flagged off from Agarwal Farm around 11 AM on Thursday.
Narayan Singh, Managing Director of JCTSL, emphasized that the buses are being introduced under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme. "Under this scheme, the state will receive a total of 1,150 electric buses, with 675 allocated in the first phase. Jaipur is set to receive 150 buses initially, followed by another 168 buses and an additional 150 buses," Singh stated.
Infrastructure and Future Plans
Preparations are underway to operate these buses from the Bagrana and Todi depots, with each depot allotted 75 buses in the initial phase. A detailed technical report will be compiled during the trial period, which will inform the final decision on the commercial operations start date.
Currently, JCTSL operates 200 buses, with 100 scheduled to retire by March 31, 2026, and the remaining 100 by March 31, 2028. Singh noted that when 100 buses were retired in March 2023, services on 16 pairs of routes had to be suspended. "This time, the situation will not be as challenging," he assured, adding that 318 new electric buses are expected within six months.
Once all buses are received, routes will be rationalized according to the Comprehensive Mobility Plan for Jaipur. The plan projects Jaipur's population to reach nearly one crore by 2055 and estimates the need for 10 standard bus corridors and 15 mini-bus corridors.
"As electric buses will be running on Jaipur roads for the first time, we are also developing the necessary infrastructure at our bus depots," Singh concluded, highlighting the city's commitment to sustainable urban mobility.
