The Indian Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned the “PM-eBus Sewa” initiative to elevate city bus services using e-buses under a Public-Private Partnership model. With a focus on areas lacking organized bus services, the scheme targets deploying 10,000 e-buses across 169 cities. Totaling Rs. 57,613 crores, the scheme will span a decade and generate employment for 45,000 to 55,000 individuals. Segments include expanding city bus operations through e-buses and fostering green urban mobility initiatives. The project aims to bolster e-mobility and promote sustainable urban transportation solutions while supporting charging infrastructure development.
Prelims pointer
- Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Model: A collaboration between government and private sector entities to execute and manage projects, typically involving sharing risks, resources, and rewards.
- E-Buses: Electric buses powered by electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to lower emissions and a cleaner environment.
- NCMC-based Automated Fare Collection Systems: National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) is a card that allows seamless access for public transportation and payments across various services using a single card.
- Green Urban Mobility Initiatives (GUMI): A segment within the scheme focusing on environmentally friendly urban transportation measures, including bus priority, multimodal facilities, and sustainable charging infrastructure.
- Behind-the-Meter Power Infrastructure: Electrical infrastructure installed on the consumer side of the meter, enabling efficient electricity use and supporting e-bus charging.
- Carbon Emissions: The release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere due to human activities, contributing to climate change and environmental concerns.
