Madhya Pradesh to Introduce 552 Electric Buses in Six Cities

Key Highlights

• 552 electric buses for Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Ujjain, and Sagar.
• Bhopal is to receive 100 e-buses, each with a 180 km range per charge.
• Buses manufactured in Pithampur, supporting the 'Make in MP' initiative.
• Greencell Mobility will supply and operate 472 buses under the PPP model.
• Government funding bridges the Rs 22/km cost gap for sustainability.

Madhya Pradesh is set to revolutionize its public transportation system by introducing 552 electric buses in six major cities: Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Ujjain, and Sagar. The initiative is a significant step towards sustainable urban mobility and aligns with the state’s ‘Make in MP’ vision.

Bhopal to Get 100 E-Buses

Bhopal is expected to receive approximately 100 air-conditioned e-buses, each designed to travel at least 180 kilometers on a single charge. Additionally, an order for 80 smaller 7-meter buses has been approved to enhance the city’s transport network.

Locally Manufactured E-Buses to Boost the Economy

The electric buses, manufactured at a Pithampur-based facility, will be procured by private operators. This move supports the 'Make in MP' initiative and coincides with the upcoming Global Investor Summit in Bhopal later this month, showcasing the state’s commitment to green mobility and economic growth.

Alignment with National PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme

The project is part of the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme and the state’s electric vehicle policy. Greencell Mobility Pvt. Ltd. will supply, operate, and maintain 472 nine-meter-long electric buses and their infrastructure under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. This initiative is part of a broader effort under the PM-eBus Sewa Phase II, which aims to deploy 4,588 electric buses nationwide. The tender process began in March 2024, with financial bids opening in January 2025.

Government Support to Bridge Cost Gap

The central government has committed financial support to make electric buses as cost-effective as their diesel counterparts. A funding mechanism has been put in place to bridge the Rs 22 per kilometer gap in operating costs.

Experts believe that this support, combined with a payment security mechanism involving state governments, will significantly impact the e-mobility sector. “The viability gap funding, along with the escrow clause ensuring payment security, will bring a revolutionary change in public transport, promoting e-mobility and reducing vehicular pollution,” an industry expert stated.

A Step Towards Cleaner, Greener Public Transport

With this ambitious plan, Madhya Pradesh is taking a giant leap towards sustainable and eco-friendly urban transport. The introduction of e-buses will not only reduce carbon emissions but also provide a comfortable and efficient travel experience for commuters. As the state gears up for this transition, it sets a precedent for other regions to adopt greener mobility solutions.

Stay tuned for more updates on Madhya Pradesh’s e-bus revolution!