The state of Gujarat in western India has introduced 30 new electric buses into the public transport network of its capital, Gandhinagar. These vehicles were procured through the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme, an initiative launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in 2023. The fleet is operated by the Gandhinagar Greenline Transport Service Limited.
This delivery represents the second phase of the city's electric bus program. Following the initial deployment of 40 units in June, the total number of electric buses in Gandhinagar has reached 70. The current batch consists of nine-metre Ecolife e9 models manufactured by JBM Buses. Each vehicle accommodates 38 passengers, with 25 seats and space for 13 standing commuters.
The buses are equipped with air-conditioning, CCTV systems, wheelchair ramps, and electronic ticketing machines. Technical specifications include a 212 kW permanent magnet synchronous motor and a 210 kWh LFP battery, providing a range exceeding 200 kilometres. Four seats in each bus are reserved for women and feature distinct pink covers.
Future plans for Gandhinagar include the addition of 30 more buses, which will bring the city's total to 100 units. The state of Gujarat is set to receive a total of 750 buses under the scheme, with deployments planned for seven other cities, including Vadodara, which will receive 250 units, and Rajkot and Bhavnagar, each slated for 100 units.
Nationwide, the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme supports the deployment of 10 000 electric buses in cities with populations up to four million. Additionally, the Ministry of Heavy Industries manages the PM E-Drive Scheme, which provides support for up to 14 028 electric buses in larger cities with populations exceeding four million.
