RSRTC floats third tender for 300 electric buses, aims full transition on NCR routes by 2026
Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation
(
RSRTC
) has floated a fresh tender — the third in a series — to procure 300
electric buses
for operation within the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR),
Times of India
reports. The move is part of the state-run transport body's broader plan to phase out its current diesel-powered fleet in favour of cleaner, electric alternatives.
Officials said the latest tender has been designed with two components: one that includes charging infrastructure for the EVs and another that excludes it. Operators will be taken on contract and paid up to ₹60 per kilometre. This tender follows earlier unsuccessful attempts in December 2024 and May 2025.
"Due to the two-fold nature of the tender, we have not received the kind of bids we anticipated. However, we're hopeful that this round will generate better participation. The 300 EVs were part of the commitment made in the state budget," said a senior RSRTC official.
A long term strategy
The corporation plans to replace a total of 900 diesel buses on NCR routes with electric vehicles by June 2026 in accordance with guidelines issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Officials said the current tender is a part of that broader strategy.
In addition to this, RSRTC is also pursuing the procurement of another 600 EV buses under the central government's
PM E-Drive scheme
. 'Although the scheme is primarily designed for intra-city operations, we have made a special request to the Centre for inclusion under intercity operations, explaining the needs of RSRTC,' said RSRTC chairperson Shubhra Singh.
The state government has extended a sovereign guarantee for these 600 buses under PM E-Drive, reinforcing its commitment to cleaner public transport and enhanced air quality in the region.
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