**Executive Summary**
This document is a response to questions raised in Lok Sabha regarding the implementation of the PM E-DRIVE Scheme for electric buses in Maharashtra. It outlines the allocation of electric buses to various cities in the second phase of the scheme, the funds allocated, and the operational model. Bids for the first phase of the allotment of e-buses closed on 14/11/2025.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **E-Bus Allocation (Second Phase):**
* Mumbai: 1500 e-buses
* Pune: 1000 e-buses
* Hyderabad: 200 e-buses
* Ahmedabad: 200 e-buses
* **Funding and Deployment:**
* Rs. 4,391 crores allocated for the deployment of 14,028 e-buses under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme.
* Bids for the first phase of allotment of 10,900 e-buses have been opened on 14/11/2025.
* **Operational Model and Procurement:**
* Support is provided through State/City transport undertakings (STUs) on operational expenditure (OPEX)/Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model.
* Procurement of e-buses on aggregation model through competitive bidding is done by CESL.
* Private entities meeting CESL's eligibility criteria can participate in the supply, operation, and maintenance of e-buses.
* **Responsibilities of Selected Private Operator:**
* Under the GCC model, the selected private operator is responsible for the procurement, supply, operation, and maintenance of the buses.
* The selected private operator is responsible for developing and maintaining electric and civil infrastructure at the maintenance depots for charging.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholders: State/City Transport Undertakings (STUs)**
* **Impact:** STUs will receive support for e-buses through OPEX/GCC model to operate them
* **Action Required:** STUs need to coordinate and engage with CESL for the procurement of the e-buses.
**Stakeholders: CESL**
* **Impact:** CESL is responsible for the procurement of e-buses on the aggregation model through competitive bidding.
* **Action Required:** CESL must ensure smooth and efficient procurement process.
**Stakeholders: Private Entities**
* **Impact:** Private entities that meet CESL’s criteria can participate in the supply, operation, and maintenance of E-Buses.
* **Action Required:** Private entities need to ensure that they meet CESL’s eligibility criteria.
**Stakeholders: Selected Private Operator (Under GCC model)**
* **Impact:** The operator has full responsibility for the buses and the infrastructure they require.
* **Action Required:** The operator is required to maintain the buses, procure them, develop infrastructure, and operate them.
Key Entities Referenced
PM E-Drive Scheme: A scheme to deploy electric buses in cities. This document discusses the second phase of the scheme, focusing on allocation of buses and associated funding.
Ministry of Heavy Industries: The government ministry responsible for the PM E-Drive Scheme.
Mumbai: City allocated electric buses under the PM E-Drive Scheme.
Pune: City allocated electric buses under the PM E-Drive Scheme.
Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL): Entity involved in the procurement of e-buses through competitive bidding for the PM E-Drive Scheme.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 255
ANSWERED ON 02.12.2025
ELECTRIC BUSES TO MAHARASHTRA UNDER PM E-DRIVE SCHEME
255. SHRI CHAVAN RAVINDRA VASANTRAO:
SHRI DHAIRYASHEEL SAMBHAJIRAO MANE:
Will the Minister of HEAVY INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is considering to provide 1000 electric buses to Mumbai, 800 to Pune
under PM E-Drive Scheme in the second phase and if so, the details thereof;
(b) the total amount of funds earmarked/sanctioned/released by the Government for the said scheme;
(c) the time by which these electric buses will be operative in these cities;
(d) the names of other cities likely to be covered under the said scheme during the second phase;
(e) whether any collaboration with State transport undertakings or private operators is being
envisaged under this initiative and if so, the details thereof; and
(f) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to ensure adequate charging infrastructure,
maintenance support and long-term operational sustainability of the e-bus fleet in these cities?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEAVY INDUSTRIES
(SHRI BHUPATHIRAJU SRINIVASA VARMA)
(a): In the second phase of allotment under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme, 1500 e-buses have been
allocated for Mumbai and 1000 e-buses have been allocated for Pune.
(b) & (c): An amount of Rs. 4,391 crores has been allocated for the deployment of 14,028 e-
buses under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme. Bids for selection of e-bus operators for the first phase of
allotment of 10,900 e-buses have been opened on 14/11/2025.
(d): Other than Mumbai and Pune, in the second phase, 200 e-buses each have been allocated to
Hyderabad and Ahmedabad under PM E-DRIVE scheme.
(e): Support for e-buses under the PM-EDRIVE scheme is provided through State/ city transport
undertakings (STUs) on operational expenditure (OPEX)/ Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model.
Procurement of e-buses on aggregation model through competitive bidding is done by CESL. Private
entities satisfying the eligibility criteria as per the RFP issued by CESL may participate for supply,
operation and maintenance of e-buses.
(f): Under the GCC model, the selected private operator is responsible for the procurement,
supply, operation, and maintenance of the buses, along with developing and maintaining the allied
electric and civil infrastructure at the maintenance depots for charging.
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