Future of Public Transport in India: colorful two photos design poster.pdf (1)

The public transport sector in India is the lifeline of the country’s mobility. Millions depend upon buses, trains, metros, and other modes of mass transportation to reach workplaces, schools, and necessary services daily. The lifeline itself is being stretched by increasingly adverse challenges — aggravating pollution, traffic jams, and higher fuel prices — that all need to be met by an urgent and sustainable answer. Among the nascent options, e-buses appear to be full of potential. But can they really revolutionize public transport in India?

Table of Contents

The Current State of Public Transport in India
Government’s Role: PM E-Drive Scheme and EV Subsidies
State-Specific EV Subsidies and Policies
Why Electric Buses Are a Good Idea for India
The Challenges Holding Back EV Adoption in India
The Future of Electric Buses in India
Private Players’ Role in Promoting Electric Bus Adoption
Impact on Jobs and the Economy
The Global Perspective: What Can India Learn?
How to Get Electric Vehicle Subsidies in India
Final Thoughts: Are Electric Buses the Future of Public Transport in India?
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The Current State of Public Transport in India

The Indian public transport sector is massive but archaic in several respects. The largest proportion consists of buses, with more than 1.6 million buses running on Indian roads. They transport millions of commuters daily, especially in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru (or Banagalore), and Chennai. Yet, most of these buses are still diesel-powered, which contributes heavily towards urban air pollution.

Vehicular pollution contributes to 40% of air pollution in Delhi alone, and the same trend is witnessed in other urban centres, reports the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The smog that surrounds cities during winter is a palpable indication of the crisis. With the city population expected to reach 600 million by 2030, the need for safe, cost-effective, and sustainable public transportation will only intensify. Electric buses could be the fresh air India so urgently requires.

Government’s Role: PM E-Drive Scheme and EV Subsidies

India’s electric mobility drive isn’t accidental — it’s policy-driven. The PM E-Drive Scheme is an important component of the drive, with the aim to spur electric vehicle adoption and slow down fossil fuel dependence. Combined with this is the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME II scheme that has helped keep electric buses cheaper.

FAME II Scheme infographic — **Source:** Ministry of Heavy Industries

The FAME II program, which was introduced with a budget of ₹10,000 crore, provides incentives of up to ₹55 lakh per electric bus, making them affordable for state transport corporations and private players. Also, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on electric vehicles has been reduced to 5% — a steep cut from the 28% charged on conventional diesel buses. These steps are expected to change the economics of electric buses, making them a competitive option.

State-Specific EV Subsidies and Policies

Ind i a’s state governments are also playing their part in the electric revolution. Some states have enacted their own electric vehicle policies to complement the central government’s drive.

For instance, Rajasthan offers additional subsidies on electric buses, effectively lowering costs for public transport agencies. Delhi’s EV policy promotes scrapping old diesel buses and replacing them with electric alternatives. Meanwhile, states like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are incentivising electric bus manufacturing by offering land, infrastructure, and tax breaks to EV manufacturers in India.

These EV incentives at the state level are important because decisions on public transport are frequently taken at the local level. By establishing an enabling environment for the adoption of electric buses, India’s states are facilitating a shift towards cleaner transport systems.

Why Electric Buses Are a Good Idea for India

Electric buses are not only eco-friendly — they’re a good economic and social option as well. Let’s break down the most important reasons.

For starters, electric buses are cost-effective in the long term. While the electric bus price in India varies between ₹80 lakh and ₹1.2 crore — almost twice that of a diesel bus — operational costs are different. A diesel bus runs at about ₹20 per kilometre, while an electric bus can run at ₹7-8 per kilometre. This translates to a 60% savings in operating expense, which means enormous savings in the life of the vehicle.

White-Purple-Green-Earth-Globe-with-Zingbus-A-call-for-environmental-Action

Second, electric buses can alleviate India’s air pollution emergency. With 22 Indian cities figuring among the global most polluted places as rated by the World Health Organization (WHO), the switch to zero-tailpipe emissions electric buses would significantly enhance air quality in the cities.

Third, electric buses help achieve energy independence. India depends on imports to meet 85% of its crude oil requirements, making its economy susceptible to price volatility abroad. By using electric buses with domestic renewable resources such as wind energy and solar energy, India can break its dependency on expensive imported oil.

The Challenges Holding Back EV Adoption in India

Widespread electric bus adoption isn’t all a smooth ride, however. Some challenges still remain, which have the potential to slow things down.

One of the major challenges is the high initial investment. Even with subsidies, electric buses are more costly than diesel buses. Such a high upfront cost discourages financially strapped public transport agencies from switching.

Then, there is the charging infrastructure. India currently has around 7,000 public EV charging points — much less than required. India will require more than 100,000 charging points by 2030 to enable the mass adoption of EVs, according to experts. Without a robust, widespread charging network, range anxiety continues to be an obstacle.

Battery technology is also a challenge. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in electric buses, remain expensive and mostly imported. Further, Indian electric buses usually have a range of 150-200 kilometres on a single charge — sufficient for intra-city routes but unsuitable for long-distance journeys (significant R&D is required in this regard!).

The Future of Electric Buses in India

The Indian electric vehicle sector is transforming at a fast rate, led by domestic players such as Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, BYD India, and Olectra Greentech. Increased competition will drive electric bus prices down while advancements in battery-swapping technology will cut down on charging time and range anxiety.

India has also aimed high: 30% of all the cars on its roads will be electric by 2030, including a major part of the public transport fleet. Cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad have already started putting out electric buses as part of government-supported pilot schemes.

Government EV Policies in India — **Source:** PIB

Additionally, electric buses are being incorporated into smart city plans by integrating them into India’s eco-friendly transport landscape. As hydrogen fuel cells and solid-state batteries gain traction, the efficiency and affordability of electric buses will increase.

Private Players’ Role in Promoting Electric Bus Adoption

Though government EV policies and subsidies are essential, private companies are becoming important drivers of electric bus adoption in India. Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, JBM Auto, and Olectra Greentech are leading the way in electric bus production, racing to make buses efficient and affordable.

leading electric bus manufacturers in india — **Source:** X

Startups such as Euler Motors and Etrio are also exploring lightweight technology and battery tech. Private transport companies are also looking at electric buses for corporate fleets and intercity journeys, driven by long-term cost benefits. With public-private partnerships picking up, the electric bus market is set for quicker growth, transforming India’s transport sector.

Impact on Jobs and the Economy

The growth of the electric vehicle industry in India — specifically electric buses — has the potential to bring a new wave of jobs. From battery production to charging station infrastructure and EV maintenance services, the transition to electric mobility could create millions of jobs across the country. India’s electric vehicle industry alone can generate more than 10 million jobs in the country by 2030, as a CEEW study suggests. Moreover, slashing oil imports and encouraging local manufacturing of EVs makes India a stronger economy. By investing in electric buses, India is not only saving the planet — it’s also leveraging economic growth and innovation.

The Global Perspective: What Can India Learn?

India is not the only country on the electric bus ride — nations such as China, the United States, and European nations are at the forefront. China, for instance, has over 500,000 electric buses on the road, fuelled by massive subsidies and a strong manufacturing network. Shenzhen was the first city to fully electrify its bus fleet, dramatically reducing air pollution. Norway and the Netherlands, in turn, focus on fast charging and green energy integration. India can follow similar tactics — investing in recycling batteries, encouraging domestic production, and growing fast-charging infrastructure — to accelerate its electric bus revolution while adapting solutions to its own specific requirements.

How to Get Electric Vehicle Subsidies in India

For transport departments and private transport operators keen to adopt electric buses, gaining government subsidies is imperative. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step-1: Register for EV subsidy requests on the E-Vehicle Portal, the government’s online portal.

Step-2: Choose an approved electric bus manufacturer under the FAME II scheme.

Step-3: Submit required documents — purchase agreements, fleet information, and bank information.

Step-4: Wait for subsidy approval — once checked, the subsidy is credited directly to the manufacturer, lowering the bus’s purchase price.

Final Thoughts: Are Electric Buses the Future of Public Transport in India?

The answer appears straightforward: Yes — but only with the correct support. Electric buses offer an opportunity to revolutionize India’s public transit system. They are cleaner, quieter, and more cost-effective in the long term. With strong government policies, increasing state-level incentives, and the presence of a thriving electric vehicle ecosystem within India, electric buses are becoming an increasingly real option.

Purple-White-Zingbus-Blog-Header-Why-Electric-Buses-are-the-Eco-pass-for-Everyone-Anytime-and-Everywhere

However, issues such as high expense, infrastructure deficit, and battery technology need to be addressed head-on. India’s success in going electric for public transport will depend on sustained investment, innovation, and infrastructure growth. As India hurtles towards a cleaner tomorrow, electric buses could well be the face of public transport — guaranteeing cleaner air, reduced expenses, and a greener tomorrow for millions of commuters. The path to a greener future begins today — one electric bus at a time!

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