Latest news with #PMe-Drive
Mint
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mint
MHI allocates 11,000 e-buses to five of nine cities under PM E-drive scheme
New Delhi: The Centre will give subsidies to Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka and Telangana to press 10,900 electric buses into service. These buses will hit the streets of Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad and Surat, the heavy industries ministry said on Thursday. 'From Bengaluru to Delhi, cities are actively embracing electric buses to make public transport cleaner, smarter, and more efficient," said heavy industries minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, who chaired a meeting with ministry officials on the rollout. The government has allocated 4,500 electric buses to Bengaluru, 2,000 to Hyderabad, 2,800 to Delhi, 1,000 to Ahmedabad, and 600 to Surat under the PM E-drive scheme. 'We are not merely allocating electric buses—we are shaping the future of India's transport system with innovation and environmental consciousness. With close coordination between the Centre and states like Telangana, Karnataka, Delhi, and Gujarat, we are determined to deliver on the PM e-Drive promise," the union minister added. Under the PM e-Drive scheme, the Centre plans to provide subsidies for 14,028 buses with an allocation of about ₹ 4,391 crore, forming nearly 40% of the scheme's outlay. This allocation—to be spent till FY26—is aimed at bolstering intra-city green mobility in nine cities with populations above four million. These are: New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Surat and Pune. Mint reported on 5 May that due to overwhelming demand for electric buses from states, they may have to settle for fewer than what they had asked for. The approximate cost of an electric bus is about ₹ 1 crore, of which the government subsidizes ₹ 20-35 lakh, as per the scheme notification. Buses longer than 6m upto 8m will get a maximum subsidy of ₹ 20 lakh; ones over 8m upto 10m, the subsidy is capped at ₹ 25 lakh; while those above 10m upto 12m will get a maximum incentive of ₹ 35 lakh. After the memorandum of understanding is signed between the state transport utility and the selected bidder, the ministry of heavy industries will provide 20% of the agreed subsidy amount as an advance. This will be followed by the disbursal of another 30% of the subsidy once operations begin, while a quarter will be provided after six months of successful operations. The remaining quarter will be given after 18 successful months of commercial operations. After granting electric buses to these states, a competitive bidding process will be conducted by state-run Convergence Energy Services Ltd for state transport utilities to purchase these buses, as per the scheme guidelines. The government's approval for electric buses in five out of nine cities under PM e-Drive came after a moderate FY25. The number of electric buses sold in the country fell 5.7% on-year to 3,314 in FY25, compared with 3,516 in FY24, the Vahan portal data showed. Mint reported on 16 March 2025 that the adoption of electric buses in FY25 at 4.72% was the lowest since 9.34% in FY22. 'The PM e-Drive initiative is a defining move in India's journey toward sustainable public transport. As cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad grow their electric bus networks, we're proud to provide dependable, advanced technology tailored to modern urban needs. This progress highlights a strong collective push for cleaner, smarter mobility," said Aanchal Jain, chief executive officer, PMI Electro Mobility, which had an orderbook of 2,845 electric buses in February 2025.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Metros' snub may force e-bus sops shift to intracity service
With three metros opting out of the PM e-DRIVE scheme , the Centre may subsidise nearly 4,000 electric buses (e-buses) for use on interstate or intracity routes, a senior official said. The heavy industries ministry received requests for around 10,900 e-buses under PM e-DRIVE, lower than the target of 14,028 e-buses. These buses are meant for large cities to improve their internal public transportation networks. "Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata have refused to participate for their own reasons," the official told ET, adding that the remaining around 4,000 buses can be considered for intercity, or interstate uses if the Centre doesn't get additional demand from more cities. Both Chennai and Mumbai are said to be planning their own e-bus procurement schemes. Also, the West Bengal government is said to have refused PM e-DRIVE e-buses since it is yet to receive units promised under earlier schemes. While the Delhi government's request has been received, its wait for around 2,800 new e-buses may get a little longer with the state yet to fully comply with PM e-DRIVE scheme norms. The state needs to create a direct debit mandate (DDM) with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which would allow the Centre to recover dues if case of delay in payments to e-bus suppliers. A DDM ensures the Centre is able to pay e-bus suppliers if states or their transport utilities delay releasing funds. Irregular payments had spooked e-buses suppliers, leading to a tepid response in earlier tenders. Under the PM e-DRIVE scheme, the Centre procures e-buses on behalf of states, who then make payments to suppliers. "Delhi government has started the process of creating an account with the RBI for facilitating the DDM. They will get e-buses after complying with these norms," the official said. The heavy industries ministry has allocated around 4,500 e-buses for Bengaluru, 2,000 to Hyderabad, 2,800 to Delhi, 1,000 to Ahmedabad, and 600 to Surat under the current phase of the PM e-Drive scheme. Bids for these 10,900 e-buses are expected to be called by the Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL), a central government-controlled entity, in a few weeks. The Centre has earmarked ₹ 10,900 crore over a two-year period through March 2026 for deploying e-buses in urban areas.
Economic Times
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Economic Times
Metros' snub may force e-bus sops shift to intracity service
The Centre is considering subsidizing nearly 4,000 electric buses for interstate or intracity routes after Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata opted out of the PM e-DRIVE scheme. While Delhi awaits 2,800 e-buses pending compliance with scheme norms, the heavy industries ministry has allocated buses to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Surat. Bids for 10,900 e-buses are expected soon. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads With three metros opting out of the PM e-DRIVE scheme , the Centre may subsidise nearly 4,000 electric buses (e-buses) for use on interstate or intracity routes, a senior official heavy industries ministry received requests for around 10,900 e-buses under PM e-DRIVE, lower than the target of 14,028 e-buses. These buses are meant for large cities to improve their internal public transportation networks."Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata have refused to participate for their own reasons," the official told ET, adding that the remaining around 4,000 buses can be considered for intercity, or interstate uses if the Centre doesn't get additional demand from more Chennai and Mumbai are said to be planning their own e-bus procurement schemes. Also, the West Bengal government is said to have refused PM e-DRIVE e-buses since it is yet to receive units promised under earlier the Delhi government's request has been received, its wait for around 2,800 new e-buses may get a little longer with the state yet to fully comply with PM e-DRIVE scheme norms. The state needs to create a direct debit mandate (DDM) with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which would allow the Centre to recover dues if case of delay in payments to e-bus suppliers.A DDM ensures the Centre is able to pay e-bus suppliers if states or their transport utilities delay releasing funds. Irregular payments had spooked e-buses suppliers, leading to a tepid response in earlier tenders. Under the PM e-DRIVE scheme, the Centre procures e-buses on behalf of states, who then make payments to suppliers."Delhi government has started the process of creating an account with the RBI for facilitating the DDM. They will get e-buses after complying with these norms," the official heavy industries ministry has allocated around 4,500 e-buses for Bengaluru, 2,000 to Hyderabad, 2,800 to Delhi, 1,000 to Ahmedabad, and 600 to Surat under the current phase of the PM e-Drive scheme. Bids for these 10,900 e-buses are expected to be called by the Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL), a central government-controlled entity, in a few Centre has earmarked ₹ 10,900 crore over a two-year period through March 2026 for deploying e-buses in urban areas.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Metros' snub may force e-bus sops shift to intracity service
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel With three metros opting out of the PM e-DRIVE scheme , the Centre may subsidise nearly 4,000 electric buses (e-buses) for use on interstate or intracity routes, a senior official heavy industries ministry received requests for around 10,900 e-buses under PM e-DRIVE, lower than the target of 14,028 e-buses. These buses are meant for large cities to improve their internal public transportation networks."Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata have refused to participate for their own reasons," the official told ET, adding that the remaining around 4,000 buses can be considered for intercity, or interstate uses if the Centre doesn't get additional demand from more Chennai and Mumbai are said to be planning their own e-bus procurement schemes. Also, the West Bengal government is said to have refused PM e-DRIVE e-buses since it is yet to receive units promised under earlier the Delhi government's request has been received, its wait for around 2,800 new e-buses may get a little longer with the state yet to fully comply with PM e-DRIVE scheme norms. The state needs to create a direct debit mandate (DDM) with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which would allow the Centre to recover dues if case of delay in payments to e-bus suppliers.A DDM ensures the Centre is able to pay e-bus suppliers if states or their transport utilities delay releasing funds. Irregular payments had spooked e-buses suppliers, leading to a tepid response in earlier tenders. Under the PM e-DRIVE scheme, the Centre procures e-buses on behalf of states, who then make payments to suppliers."Delhi government has started the process of creating an account with the RBI for facilitating the DDM. They will get e-buses after complying with these norms," the official heavy industries ministry has allocated around 4,500 e-buses for Bengaluru, 2,000 to Hyderabad, 2,800 to Delhi, 1,000 to Ahmedabad, and 600 to Surat under the current phase of the PM e-Drive scheme. Bids for these 10,900 e-buses are expected to be called by the Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL), a central government-controlled entity, in a few Centre has earmarked ₹ 10,900 crore over a two-year period through March 2026 for deploying e-buses in urban areas.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Karnataka to receive 4,500 electric buses under PM e-Drive scheme
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has announced that Karnataka will receive 4,500 electric buses under the central government's green mobility initiative , the PM e-Drive Scheme . The move is part of India's broader objective to reduce transport-related pollution and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. 'We've taken a major decision for Karnataka. Under the PM e-Drive initiative, we are providing electric buses. We are working earnestly to realise PM's vision of net zero emissions by 2070,' Kumaraswamy said in a media release. Kumaraswamy criticised Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao for reportedly shutting down Jan Aushadhi Kendras operating within government hospital premises. These centres provide low-cost medicines to the public. 'Are you clearing Jan Aushadhi stores to make space for liquor or narcotics outlets?' Kumaraswamy questioned. He alleged that the move could benefit specific groups while denying affordable medicines to the poor and middle class. The Union Minister also questioned the state government's reported decision to pay ₹1.49 crore to senior advocate Kapil Sibal for representing former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the MUDA case. 'Whose money is that? Is it Siddaramaiah's personal money? Why is the government paying for a private legal defense?' he asked. Kumaraswamy further criticised the state Cabinet's alleged decision to halt investigations into irregularities in Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitments from 2011. He alleged that appointments within the KPSC have been linked to financial transactions. 'In fact, the person responsible for the Arkavathi land scam has now been made the KPSC Chairman. They've fixed rates of lakhs and crores for each post,' he said.
