Quick Highlights:
- 200 electric buses flagged off in a single event under the national urban transport push.
- Deployment across three cities: 100 in Guwahati, 50 in Bhavnagar, and 50 in Nagpur.
- JBM Auto’s fleet surpasses 3,200 electric buses in operation across India.
- Buses feature air-conditioning, CCTV, accessibility features, and low-floor design to improve urban mobility.
PM Modi Flags Off 200 Electric Buses
Narendra Modi flagged off 200 electric buses manufactured by JBM Auto during a ceremony in Guwahati, marking one of the larger single-event deployments under the PM e‑Bus Sewa Scheme.
From my perspective, large single-day deployments like this matter because they signal both policy momentum and operational readiness—two factors that often determine whether public transport transitions actually scale.
The fleet distribution includes:
- 100 buses in Guwahati
- 50 buses in Bhavnagar
- 50 buses in Nagpur
The addition takes JBM Auto’s total operational electric bus fleet in India beyond 3,200 units, reflecting the steady growth of electric public transport nationwide.
Cities Covered in the Deployment
The new buses will serve intra-city routes in:
- Bhavnagar
- Nagpur
Officials indicated that routes are expected to become operational in the coming weeks, as charging stations and depot infrastructure are commissioned.
In Guwahati in particular, the induction represents a significant expansion of the public transport network, which has historically depended on ageing diesel fleets.
Features of the New Electric Buses
The newly deployed units are 9-metre low-floor, air-conditioned buses designed for urban mobility. Key features include:
- CCTV surveillance systems
- Automatic doors
- Accessibility provisions for senior citizens and passengers with disabilities
- Low-floor design for easier boarding
These buses are intended to improve last-mile connectivity while also reducing urban carbon emissions.
JBM’s Electric Bus Operations and Manufacturing Capacity
According to the company, its electric bus fleet has collectively:
- Covered over 300 million kilometres
- Transported more than one billion passengers
- Helped avoid over one billion kilograms of CO₂ emissions
JBM manufactures its buses at a large-scale facility it describes as one of the largest electric bus plants outside China, with an annual production capacity of 20,000 units.
Industry Perspective
Commenting on the deployment, Nishant Arya, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of JBM Auto, highlighted that India’s transition toward green mobility reflects policy support, industry collaboration, and long-term planning.
I tend to agree with this assessment — electric buses are one of the most practical ways to cut urban emissions quickly because they replace high-usage diesel vehicles rather than adding new vehicles to the road.
Role of the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme in Urban Mobility
The PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme aims to introduce electric buses in cities lacking organised bus services and strengthen existing networks. The programme has attracted participation from multiple manufacturers and state transport undertakings.
Such initiatives are aligned with India’s net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target for 2070, with urban transport identified as a key sector for emissions reduction.
What This Means for Passengers
For commuters, the rollout could bring:
- Cleaner air and quieter rides
- More reliable city transport
- Improved accessibility
- Expanded route coverage
In my view, the success of these deployments will ultimately depend on consistent maintenance, charging reliability, and route planning—areas that determine whether passengers actually shift from private vehicles to public transport.
Frequently Asked Questions — FAQs
Q. What is the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme?
- It is a Government of India initiative aimed at deploying electric buses in cities, particularly where organised public transport is limited.
Q. How many buses were launched in this event?
- A total of 200 electric buses were flagged off.
Q. Which cities received the buses?
- The buses were allocated to Guwahati (100 buses), Bhavnagar (50 buses), and Nagpur (50 buses).
Q. What features do the new buses offer?
- They include air-conditioning, CCTV cameras, low-floor accessibility, and automatic doors, making them suitable for modern urban transit.
Q. Why are electric buses important for cities?
- Electric buses help reduce air pollution, cut fuel costs, and lower greenhouse gas emissions, especially in high-traffic urban corridors.
Q. When will passengers be able to use these buses?
- Operations are expected to begin in the coming weeks, once depot and charging infrastructure is fully ready.
