on Unserved Cities"
The approval by the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, for the "PM-eBus Sewa" bus scheme marks a significant step towards enhancing urban bus operations by introducing 10,000 e-buses through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The estimated cost of the scheme is Rs. 57,613 crore, with the Central government offering Rs. 20,000 crore in support. The program is designed to span 10 years and will play a crucial role in reaching underserved communities.
Inclusive Reach:
The initiative will encompass cities with populations of three lakh and above, based on the 2011 census. This includes the capital cities of Union Territories, regions in the North Eastern part of the country, and hilly states. The program will prioritize cities that currently lack organized bus services, ensuring accessibility for all.
Direct Job Creation:
The implementation of this scheme is projected to generate a direct workforce of 45,000 to 55,000 jobs, fueled by the deployment of around 10,000 buses for city bus operations.
The Scheme's Dual Focus:
The scheme consists of two key segments:
Segment A – Enhancing City Bus Services (169 cities):
Through this segment, the approved scheme will bolster city bus operations by introducing 10,000 e-buses under the PPP model. The associated infrastructure will encompass the development or upgrade of depot facilities, alongside the establishment of necessary behind-the-meter power infrastructure to accommodate e-buses.
Segment B – Green Urban Mobility Initiatives (181 cities):
This component aims to introduce environmentally friendly practices in urban transportation. It will encompass initiatives such as bus priority systems, improved infrastructure, multimodal interchange facilities, Automated Fare Collection Systems based on the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), and the establishment of charging infrastructure.
Operational Support:
In the implementation of the scheme, the onus of operating the bus services and compensating bus operators lies with the states and cities. The Central Government will offer financial support through subsidies as outlined in the proposed scheme.
Promoting E-Mobility:
The scheme is poised to foster the growth of e-mobility by providing comprehensive support for behind-the-meter power infrastructure. It will also facilitate the development of charging infrastructure under the Green Urban Mobility Initiatives. The emphasis on bus priority infrastructure will not only facilitate the adoption of energy-efficient electric buses but also stimulate innovation in the e-mobility sector, while simultaneously building a robust supply chain for electric vehicles.
The scheme's encouragement of electric mobility will contribute to a reduction in noise and air pollution, along with curbing carbon emissions. Additionally, the shift towards bus-based public transportation will translate into a modal shift, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.