In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable transportation, the Indian government has unveiled plans to introduce 10,000 new electric buses across 100 cities under the ambitious PM e-bus Seva Yojna. The announcement came during a recent Union cabinet meeting, where the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister, Anurag Thakur, revealed the details of this forward-looking initiative aimed at bolstering green mobility.
An Encouraging Step for Green Mobility
Thakur emphasized that the PM e-bus Seva Yojna has received cabinet approval, highlighting the government’s commitment to promoting eco-friendly transportation options. The scheme has been allocated a substantial budget of Rs 57,613 crores, a significant investment that reflects the government’s dedication to advancing electric mobility in the country.
Key Highlights of the Cabinet Meeting
The cabinet meeting witnessed several significant announcements that are poised to shape the nation’s future in terms of technology, mobility, and skill development:
- City Selection: Out of the 169 cities in contention, 100 will be selected to participate in the PM e-bus Seva initiative through a challenge method. This strategic selection process aims to maximize the impact of electric buses in regions with higher population density.
- Central Government Contribution: The Central government will provide Rs 20,000 crores out of the allocated budget to facilitate the successful implementation of the scheme. This financial injection underscores the government’s commitment to driving the transition to electric mobility.
- Population Threshold: The scheme will encompass cities with a population of 3 lakhs and above, ensuring that the benefits of electric buses reach a substantial portion of the urban population.
- Public Private Partnership (PPP) Model: The PM e-bus Seva Yojna will operate on a Public Private Partnership model, with plans to introduce 10,000 electric buses. This model is expected to support city bus operations for a duration of 10 years.
- Vishwakarma Yojana Scheme: The cabinet also approved the Vishwakarma Yojana scheme, which focuses on promoting traditional skills passed down through generations, such as pottery, blacksmithing, construction, tailoring, and boat-building. This initiative is projected to benefit 30 lakh craftsmen families by providing subsidized loans and stipends.
- Digital India Program: The Digital India program is set to receive an extension with a budget of Rs 14,903 crores. Additionally, ‘Bhashini,’ a national digital public platform for universal language translation, will be introduced under this program.
- Expansion of DigiLocker: The DigiLocker, currently available for individuals, will be extended to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). With over 40 crore subscribers already, this expansion aims to streamline document management for businesses.
- Supercomputing Mission: The government is set to expand the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) by adding nine more supercomputers to the existing 18 systems deployed.
In conclusion, the Indian government’s ambitious plan to launch 10,000 electric buses across 100 cities is a transformative step towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation. With a substantial budget allocation and a commitment to green mobility, this initiative sets the stage for a cleaner and greener future for urban transportation in India.
