Bengaluru to receive 4,500 e-buses under PM e-Drive, largest share among Indian cities

Bengaluru is set to lead India’s electric public transport transition, with the Centre allocating 4,500 electric buses to the city under the newly launched PM e-Drive programme—the highest share among five major urban centres. This ambitious move is part of a larger tender floated by Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) on June 27, aimed at deploying 10,900 e-buses nationwide.

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The city’s allocation accounts for nearly 40% of the total rollout, positioning Bengaluru as the frontrunner in India’s electric mobility push. The initiative includes not only the procurement and delivery of buses but also the development of charging infrastructure and operational support, all under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model. The bidding process for interested fleet operators and manufacturers will open on August 12.

This deployment forms part of the broader PM e-Drive plan, with implementation scheduled from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2026. The overall programme, replacing earlier schemes like EMPS-2024 and FAME-II, carries a total outlay of ₹10,900 crore and targets 14,028 e-buses across India. Of this, ₹4,391 crore has been earmarked specifically for e-bus deployment.

To further support the transition, the Ministry of Heavy Industries has introduced a ₹3,435 crore Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) to ensure timely payments to operators. For Bengaluru, this marks a decisive step in modernising its transport network, improving air quality, and reinforcing its reputation as a tech-driven, climate-conscious metropolis.