PM Modi Virtually Flags Off 50 AC Electric Buses for Nagpur Under PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday virtually inaugurated 50 air-conditioned electric buses for Nagpur under the Centre's PM e-Bus Sewa scheme, marking a significant advancement in green urban mobility initiatives across India. The virtual flag-off ceremony was conducted during a program held in Guwahati, where similar electric bus fleets were simultaneously launched for multiple cities nationwide.
Expanding Nagpur's Electric Bus Fleet
With this latest addition of 50 buses, Nagpur's electric bus fleet has now reached an impressive total of 360 vehicles. Furthermore, city officials have confirmed that an additional 100 buses under the same scheme are expected to arrive soon, further strengthening the public transportation network. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation's transport department will operate these new buses under its existing Aapli Bus service framework.
The allocation includes both 12-metre and 9-metre bus variants to accommodate different route requirements throughout the city and surrounding areas. This strategic distribution ensures optimal service coverage for both high-density urban corridors and narrower suburban routes.
Commitment to Pollution-Free Public Transport
Nagpur Mayor Neeta Thakre emphasized the municipal corporation's dedication to providing modern, pollution-free public transportation that extends beyond traditional city limits. "Our aim is to ensure that residents in peripheral and semi-urban areas also benefit from clean and comfortable bus services," she stated during her address at the inauguration event.
The expanded service will now cover a 20-kilometer radius from the city center, reaching mofussil areas of the district that previously had limited access to quality public transportation options. This expansion represents a comprehensive approach to urban mobility that prioritizes environmental sustainability while improving connectivity for all residents.
Modern Infrastructure Development
To support the growing electric bus fleet, significant infrastructure upgrades have been implemented across Nagpur:
- The Koradi depot has undergone complete modernization with advanced charging stations and enhanced electrical infrastructure
- A second depot at Wadi has been prepared and readied for operational requirements
- Dedicated charging points and upgraded power supply systems have been installed to ensure seamless daily operations
Officials confirmed that these infrastructure improvements were essential prerequisites for accommodating the expanded electric bus fleet and ensuring reliable service delivery.
Advanced Features and Accessibility
The newly inaugurated buses incorporate cutting-edge technology and accessibility features:
- Full air-conditioning systems for passenger comfort
- GPS tracking capabilities for real-time monitoring
- Intelligent Transport System (ITS) integration
- Digital ticketing facilities for convenient payment options
- Divyang-friendly hydraulic ramps to ensure safe boarding and alighting for all passengers
Each electric bus boasts an impressive range of approximately 225 kilometers on a single charge, enabling efficient daily operations across major city routes and extended suburban stretches without requiring frequent recharging interruptions.
National Rollout and Broader Implications
During the same virtual ceremony, Prime Minister Modi simultaneously flagged off additional electric bus fleets for other cities:
- 100 AC e-buses for Guwahati
- 50 AC e-buses for Bhavnagar
- 25 AC e-buses for Chandigarh
These launches are part of the comprehensive Rs 20,000 crore PM e-Bus Sewa scheme, which aims to deploy 10,000 electric buses across various Indian cities. The ambitious national program targets multiple environmental and economic benefits, including substantial reductions in carbon emissions, decreased diesel consumption, and promotion of sustainable urban transport solutions.
In a related development, Nagpur's civic body is set to receive 170 out of 250 e-buses sanctioned under the deputy chief minister's fund. The city has already received 80 AC e-buses through this allocation, with the remaining vehicles pending due to ongoing depot infrastructure work that is currently behind schedule.
The event was attended by numerous dignitaries including District Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, MLA Krishnha Khopde, MLC Sandip Joshi, Deputy Mayor Leela Hathibed, BJP City President Dayashankar Tiwari, and Additional Municipal Commissioner Vasumana Pant, among other officials and stakeholders.
