The Indian Cabinet has recently approved the “PM-eBus Sewa” scheme. This program is designed to improve city bus operations by deploying 10,000 Electric Buses through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The aim is to improve urban transportation efficiency and encourage environmentally-friendly practices.
About PM-eBus Sewa Scheme
This scheme targets to bolster urban transportation using the PPP model. The areas of focus are separated into two segments: augmenting city bus services in 169 cities and promoting green urban mobility initiatives in 181 cities.
Under the plan, infrastructure development and upgrades are necessary for efficient operations. This includes building substations for accommodating electric buses and setting up necessary charging amenities.
Target Population and Unreached Areas
The scheme targets cities with populations of three lakh and above, based on data from the 2011 census. This includes all capital cities of Union Territories, North Eastern regions, and hilly states. A noteworthy aspect is the scheme’s focus on cities without organized bus services, thus bridging the urban mobility gap.
Operation and Facilitation
States and cities will manage and sustain bus services while making payments to appointed bus operators. On the other hand, the Central Government will provide subsidies to support these operations, as stated in the scheme.
Significance of the Scheme
One of the major benefits of the scheme is job creation. An estimated 45,000 to 55,000 direct employment opportunities will be generated due to the deployment of electric buses in city bus services.
Boosting E-Mobility
The scheme will further push for adoption of E-Mobility through comprehensive support for the necessary behind-the-meter power infrastructure. Cities will also receive support for the development of charger infrastructure.
Environmental Impact and GHG Reduction
The switch to electric mobility is expected to have significant environmental benefits, including reduced noise and air pollution and lower carbon emissions. A modal shift towards bus-based public transportation will further contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Government Initiatives to Promote E-Mobility
Several initiatives are being initiated by the government to promote E-Mobility, which includes Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme II, National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP), National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, Vehicle Scrappage Policy, and Go Electric campaign.
The Way Forward with PM-eBus Sewa
The “PM-eBus Sewa” scheme represents a vital initiative to promote sustainable urban mobility and the adoption of electric vehicles. With an approach that spans direct job generation, infrastructure development, and environmental conservation, the plan showcases India’s commitment to creating resilient and eco-friendly urban transportation systems.
