Karnataka Requests More Electric Buses Under PM E-Drive Scheme

Key Highlights:

• The Karnataka government has requested more electric buses under the PM E-Drive scheme.
• Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy emphasized the need for better urban transport in important cities.
• Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy promised full support and assured gradual bus allocation.
• The scheme plans to provide 14,000 electric buses to 9 major cities across India.
• Discussions include setting up charging stations, bus depots, and maintenance facilities.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries has received an official request from the Karnataka government. Karnataka wants more electric buses under the PM E-Drive scheme, which is supported by the central government. Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy sent this proposal. He said the state needs better urban public transport in important cities.

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, HD Kumaraswamy, gave a positive response to Karnataka’s request. He promised full support from the central government. The Minister said the allocation process for electric buses is already in progress. Karnataka will get the buses step-by-step, with priority given to important needs.

"I will make sure Karnataka gets all the help it deserves from the Government of India," HD Kumaraswamy said. He also added, "With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong leadership, public transport is changing across India. Karnataka will surely get buses through the PM E-Drive scheme."

Under this initiative, 14,000 electric buses will be given to 9 major cities. The discussions between the Union and State governments also included plans for charging stations, bus depots, and maintenance systems for the vehicles. Officials from both the Union and Karnataka governments discussed ways to quickly bring electric buses to the selected cities.

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy said, "We are not just giving buses; we are creating a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive transport system for India. Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has my full support and that of the Ministry."

​PM E-Drive scheme

The PM E-Drive scheme, started under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, plans to add 14,028 electric buses to city transport. The scheme has a budget of Rs 10,900 crores for two years, from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2026. The Ministry of Heavy Industries is fully committed to this important mission. It will work closely with all state governments and other partners to make the plan a success.

Also Read: Delhi Buses Go Digital: UPI and Card Payments Now Accepted

CMV360 Says

This move shows the government’s strong focus on cleaner and smarter public transport. Karnataka’s push for more electric buses under the PM E-Drive scheme will help reduce pollution and improve city travel. It is good to see both the Union and State governments working together to bring better transport options to people.