Gujarat has begun expanding its electric public transport network with the deployment of 70 battery-electric buses across the cities of Gandhinagar and Vadodara as part of India’s PM e-Bus Sewa programme.
The western Indian state introduced 40 electric buses in Gandhinagar on 28 June, followed by another 30 buses in Vadodara on 29 June. Both fleets are expected to improve urban mobility while supporting the state’s transition toward cleaner public transportation.
Gandhinagar Launches Electric Bus Services
The Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation has deployed the 40 electric buses across 18 city routes.
Passengers can travel free of charge during the first 15 days of operation. After the introductory period, fares will range from 5 to 30 Indian rupees.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the state capital is scheduled to receive another 60 electric buses during the second phase of the programme.
Images released from the launch ceremony indicate the city is operating JBM Auto’s Ecolife e9 electric buses.
Accessible and Fully Equipped Vehicles
The JBM Ecolife e9 measures 8.86 metres in length and is designed to accommodate up to 38 passengers, including 25 seated passengers and 13 standing passengers.
Each bus features a low-floor design with a hydraulic wheelchair ramp, air conditioning and an electronic ticketing system to improve passenger comfort and accessibility.
Vadodara Plans Larger Fleet Expansion
Vadodara Municipal Corporation has also introduced 30 electric buses on multiple routes, with fares matching those in Gandhinagar at between 5 and 30 Indian rupees.
According to The Times of India, another 20 electric buses are expected to arrive from Delhi shortly, completing the city’s first deployment phase.
Municipal Commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu said Vadodara plans to induct an additional 200 electric buses by December, with 100 vehicles each arriving during the second and third phases of the rollout.
Part of India’s National E-Bus Programme
The electric bus fleets allocated to Gandhinagar and Vadodara are being funded through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ PM e-Bus Sewa scheme.
Under the programme, Gandhinagar is expected to receive a total of 100 electric buses, while Vadodara has been allocated 250 vehicles.
The national initiative has a budget of 576.13 billion Indian rupees and aims to deploy 10,000 electric buses across 169 cities, supporting India’s efforts to modernize public transport and reduce urban emissions.