News Brief
Karnataka Seeks Electric Buses Under Rs 10,900 Crore PM E-Drive Scheme; Centre Assures Support, Allocation Already Underway
Electric Buses (Pic Via Twitter) (Representative Image)
Karnataka government has formally requested electric buses under the centrally sponsored PM E-Drive scheme to strengthen urban public transport systems in the state.
Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy submitted the proposal to the Ministry of Heavy Industries, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced mobility in key cities across the state.
Responding positively, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H D Kumaraswamy held deliberations with senior officials of the ministry and assured the Karnataka Government of complete support from the Centre, according to a statement by the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
The Heavy Industries Ministry is the nodal ministry for the PM E-DRIVE scheme, overseeing its implementation.
Kumaraswamy confirmed that the process of allocation is already underway and that Karnataka will receive electric buses in a phased and prioritised manner.
“I will ensure that Karnataka receives all due support from the Government of India,” said Kumaraswamy.
Under the PM E-Drive initiative, 14,000 electric buses are to be allocated to nine major cities.
According to the Heavy Industries ministry, discussions between the Union and state governments have also covered associated infrastructure, including charging stations, bus depots, and vehicle maintenance systems.
Officials from both sides explored implementation models to ensure rapid rollout across identified urban clusters, the ministry said.
The PM E-Drive initiative aims to augment city bus operations with 14,028 electric buses. The scheme has an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore over a period of two years from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2026.
