Latest news with #PM-eBusSewaScheme
Time of India
25-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Amritsar shifts to e-rickshaws, plans e-buses as clean air meets driver concerns
AMRITSAR: In a bid to improve air quality and modernise public transport, the Transport Department in Amritsar is pushing forward with the transition from diesel to electric vehicles. After significant progress in replacing diesel autorickshaws with electric rickshaws, the department is now exploring the replacement of local diesel buses with electric ones. Regional Transport Officer Khushdil Singh stated on Wednesday that around 70% of diesel autorickshaws in the city have already been replaced by e-rickshaws, which are being registered using the same process as diesel ones. He also said that the government is now considering a similar switch for local diesel buses, in line with its broader goal to adopt cleaner modes of public transport. Currently, two categories of electric vehicles operate in the city: E-Rickshaws and E-Autos. E-Rickshaws are smaller and used for short-distance travel, whereas E-Autos are larger, have more battery capacity, and can carry more passengers. Despite the positive shift, operators are facing new challenges. Balwinder Singh Nagi, President of the Amritsar E-Rickshaw Union, estimated that there are now 80,000 to 90,000 autorickshaws in the city, both diesel and electric. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo He admitted that the switch to electric rickshaws has helped reduce pollution. 'Despite the transition, many diesel auto owners are still on the roads,' Nagi said, adding that every second person is buying an E-Rickshaw — if not to drive, then to rent out — which has created an oversupply in the market. This saturation is turning it into a losing proposition for many operators. Tourists visiting the Golden Temple have also observed the change. Alok Kumar, a visitor from Ahmedabad, said: 'For years, I've experienced the harshness of diesel autos — their grumbling engines and sooty exhausts — especially during our ride from the railway station to the Golden Temple. But this time, we were pleasantly surprised to see that most of them have been replaced by cleaner, quieter E-Rickshaws.' His wife, Prapti Kumar, added: 'Earlier, the air used to feel thick with black smoke from diesel vehicles. It would become difficult to breathe, and our children often ended up coughing. But this time, the air felt noticeably cleaner — we didn't face any such discomfort.' Khushdil Singh also mentioned that a Road Safety Project Associate would soon be appointed to monitor road safety norms and propose improvements. Meanwhile, under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme, 347 e-buses have been sanctioned for Punjab, including 100 for Amritsar. The first tranche of Rs 18.06 crore has been released, with Rs 5.05 crore allocated to Amritsar for the development of related infrastructure. This was shared by Tokhan Sahu, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, in response to a question by Amritsar MP Gurjit Singh Aujla. The minister noted that the Government of India launched the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme to deploy 10,000 electric buses under a PPP model to improve urban transport. He added that since Amritsar is a major city known for its heritage, culture, and religious significance, the central government has taken special measures to enhance travel convenience and the tourist experience in the city.
The Hindu
23-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Karnataka gets 750 electric buses under PM-eBus Sewa scheme
) Karnataka has been allotted 750 electric buses under the Centre's PM-eBus Sewa scheme, but the government of Karnataka has been urging for direct subsidy instead of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) procurement model. In response to a question raised by Rajya Sabha MP D. Veerendra Heggade, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu stated in Parliament that the Central Government had approved 750 e-buses for Karnataka under the scheme. 'As per the demand received from the State of Karnataka, a total of 750 electric buses have been sanctioned for all 10 eligible cities of the State under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme. Bengaluru and Udupi are not eligible as per the scheme's guidelines,' he said. Launched on August 16, 2023, the PM-eBus Sewa scheme aims to strengthen public transport systems by deploying 10,000 electric buses across India through a PPP model. 'Deployment of electric buses under the scheme is subject to completion of work related to associated infrastructure (behind-the-meter power and civil depot infrastructure). A total of 7,293 buses have been sanctioned so far out of which 6,518 buses have been tendered,' Mr. Sahu said. In Karnataka, Belagavi, Hubballi-Dharwad, Kalaburagi, Mangaluru, and Mysuru have each been allocated 100 buses while the remaining five eligible cities have been sanctioned 50 buses each. City-wise allotment of buses under PM-eBus Sewa Scheme City Buses Belagavi 100 Hubballi-Dharwad 100 Kalaburagi 100 Mangaluru 100 Mysuru 100 Shivamogga 50 Tumakuru 50 Ballari 50 Vijayapura 50 Davanagere 50 Total 750 Source Ministry of housing and urban affairs However, Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has criticised the current PPP approach. He emphasised that it was far more straightforward to procure and operate buses during the UPA era. 'Earlier, the Centre contributed 50% of the cost while the State and transport corporations shared the remaining 50% equally,' Mr. Reddy recalled. 'But now, under the NDA government, the subsidy is not given directly to States. Instead, private companies that win tenders receive the funding, own the buses, and are responsible for drivers and maintenance. The State-run corporations are only responsible for deploying conductors and paying the operator on a per-kilometre basis,' he added. Mr. Reddy has urged the Central Government to revert to the earlier model by directly providing financial assistance to State transport corporations for a more transparent and efficient rollout. Karnataka plans to introduce a total of 14,750 electric buses during the financial year 2025-26. A senior official from the Transport Department said that these buses would be procured through a combination of schemes, including PM-eBus Sewa, PM e-DRIVE, and other externally aided initiatives. In addition to the e-buses, the State intends to add 1,000 diesel buses under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model, which involves hiring private operators to run State-owned buses.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
PM-eBus Sewa: Karnataka minister urges Centre to give subsidies to states
The central govt should provide direct subsidies to state govts to procure electric buses under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme, instead of allocating them to private operators under the PPP model, said Karnataka transport minister Ramalinga Reddy. He was speaking after inaugurating the new automated driving test track at Kamblapadavu in Pajir village, Ullal taluk, on Sunday. The procurement and operation of electric buses was easy during the UPA regime. While the central govt was providing 50 per cent of the fund, the state and its transport corporations had to invest 25 per cent each to operate buses. Now, under the NDA regime, buses are not given directly to states but instead procured through tenders, and the subsidy goes to the participating bidders. They will own the buses, hire drivers, and also maintain the vehicles while the state corporations have to appoint conductors and pay the operators on a kilometre basis. The minister suggested that the central govt should directly pay the subsidy to the state transport corporations across the nation. He added that a discussion in this regard was held with Union minister HK Kumaraswamy too. On 100 electric buses sanctioned to Mangaluru under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme, the minister said the depot and terminal will be developed soon after land was identified. On the new automated driving test track, Reddy said Karnataka will have the highest number of automated driving test stations in the country. "In fact, chief minister Siddaramaiah was scheduled to inaugurate the facility, which was developed at a cost of Rs 7.5 crore. However, due to technical reasons, the programme was postponed. Govt has been providing automated driving test tracks at 42 centres covering all districts in the state," he said. Karnataka assembly speaker UT Khader presided while Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, among others, were guests. Automated test to begin in 10 days RTO Sridhar K Mallad said the new automated driving test station set up as per the guidelines of the central govt will replace the manual inspections. "Further, it will increase efficiency while preventing corruption and interference of middlemen. There are separate automated driving test tracks for two-wheelers, light motor vehicles, and heavy vehicles," he said. "The manual facility at Vamanjoor will be shifted to the new facility at Kamblapadavu within a few days. The new automated driving test track will be made operational within 10 days after the services are linked to the NIC. Once the linking process is completed, applicants can book slots for tests online," he said.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
PM-eBus Sewa scheme: Min urges Centre to give subsidies to states
Mangaluru: The central govt should provide direct subsidies to state govts to procure electric buses under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme, instead of allocating them to private operators under the PPP model, said Karnataka transport minister Ramalinga Reddy. He was speaking after inaugurating the new automated driving test track at Kamblapadavu in Pajir village, Ullal taluk, on Sunday. The procurement and operation of electric buses was easy during the UPA regime. While the central govt was providing 50% of the fund, the state and its transport corporations had to invest 25% each to operate buses. Now, under the NDA regime, buses are not given directly to states but instead procured through tenders, and the subsidy goes to the participating bidders. They will own the buses, hire drivers, and also maintain the vehicles while the state corporations have to appoint conductors and pay the operators on a kilometre basis. The minister suggested that the central govt should directly pay the subsidy to the state transport corporations across the nation. He added that a discussion in this regard was held with Union minister HK Kumaraswamy too. On 100 electric buses sanctioned to Mangaluru under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme, the minister said the depot and terminal will be developed soon after land was identified. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invertir con Cervecería Nacional CFD, si tienes 30 o más, puede alegrar tu cuenta bancaria Empieza a invertir hoy Más información Undo On the new automated driving test track, Reddy said Karnataka will have the highest number of automated driving test stations in the country. "In fact, chief minister Siddaramaiah was scheduled to inaugurate the facility, which was developed at a cost of Rs 7.5 crore. However, due to technical reasons, the programme was postponed. Govt has been providing automated driving test tracks at 42 centres covering all districts in the state," he said. Karnataka assembly speaker UT Khader presided while Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, among others, were guests. Automated test to begin in 10 days RTO Sridhar K Mallad said the new automated driving test station set up as per the guidelines of the central govt will replace the manual inspections. "Further, it will increase efficiency while preventing corruption and interference of middlemen. There are separate automated driving test tracks for two-wheelers, light motor vehicles, and heavy vehicles," he said. "The manual facility at Vamanjoor will be shifted to the new facility at Kamblapadavu within a few days. The new automated driving test track will be made operational within 10 days after the services are linked to the NIC. Once the linking process is completed, applicants will have to apply and book slots for tests online," he said.
The Hindu
21-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Minister directs DC to allot Pumpwell bus stand land to KSRTC to operate electric city buses
Dakshina Kannada district in charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Saturday, June 21, directed the district administration to handover seven acres of land at Pumpwell to Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to enable it to operate electric buses on city routes. In a letter to the Deputy Commissioner, the Minister said the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) had acquired the land to build a satellite bus terminal in the city. Now the central government has sanctioned 100 e-buses to KSRTC's Mangaluru Division under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme, the land may be handed over to KSRTC free of cost, the Minister said. Mr. Rao also directed the Deputy Commissioner to hand over 9.9 acres of land belonging to the gram panchayat at Balepuni village near Mudipu, off Mangaluru, free of cost to KSRTC to set up electric bus depot and construct divisional workshop. Eleven cities As many as 11 cities in Karnataka have qualified to introduce electric buses under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme, according to Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy. Besides Mangaluru, the cities included Mysuru, Davangere, Shivamogga, Tumakuru, Belagavi, Hubballi, Dharwad, Kalaburagi, Ballari, and Vijayapura. The three State-owned transport corporations under whose jurisdiction the cities were located, have submitted a demand for total 795 e-buses under the scheme. While KSRTC had demanded 100 buses for Mysuru and Mangaluru and 50 buses for Davanagere, Shivamogga and Tumakuru, North West KRTC had sought 100 for Belagavi and 110 buses for Hubballi-Dharwad. The Kalyana Karnataka RTC wanted 100 buses for Kalaburagi, 55 for Bellari and 80 buses for Vijayapura. The Central government wanted to boost electric mobility infrastructure in the country through the scheme that envisages deployment of 10,000 electric buses in 169 cities in the country through a Central outlay of ₹20,000 crore under public-private partnership mode. The total estimated cost of the scheme would be ₹57,613 crore. Covering cities with three lakh and more population, the scheme would support bus operations for 10 years.
