The Indian government has recently approved plans for a nearly INR 580 billion ($7 billion) scheme to deploy 10,000 electric buses in 169 cities across the country. The mega product would be completed in the next decade. Along with deploying buses, the amount would be spent on charging and building whole infrastructure facilities for the buses.

Talking to the media, Indian Information Minister Anurag Thakur said that the government would invest INR 200 billion in the scheme cost based on a public-private partnership model. However, it is not clear whether the remaining funds would come from the state governments or private companies. The project has been announced amid New Delhi’s efforts to cut emissions and reduce fuel imports. Different companies have been offered special incentives to build vehicles and parts in the country.

Actual Plan 

The Indian government is pursuing plans for an eventual fleet of 50,000 electric buses nationwide with an estimated cost of $12 billion. To complete the project, the current Indian government has been aggregating demand from the state government and issuing contracts or tenders, inviting different companies to bid. The initiative comes at a time when bus makers in India have raised concerns about state transport corporations over delays in payment for conventional buses.

A dedicated fund will provide security to the bus makers, allowing them to bid freely for government contracts.

When in Pakistan? 

Commenting on the news, the economist Abdul Rehman raised a very valid question “When will Pakistan realize the importance of public transport and reducing the reliance on imported fuels?”

India 🇮🇳🇮🇳 approves $7Bn electric buses plan for 170 cities.

When will we 🇵🇰🇵🇰 realise the importance of public transport and reducing reliance of imported fuels‼️

— Abdul Rehman (@AbdulRehman0292) August 22, 2023

Although the Sindh government has recently launched electric buses on a few routes in Karachi, CDA is also planning to launch these buses in Islamabad. Although the government of PTI focused on developing EV vehicles in Pakistan with their new auto policy, however, with the change of government and uncertain economic conditions, the plan is in the doldrums. Hence, the dream of an EV in Pakistan is still far-fetched.

What do you think about India’s plan for electric buses? Tell us in the comments section.