New Delhi/Bengaluru, May 16, 2025 — In a significant move towards strengthening sustainable and inclusive public transport, the Government of Karnataka has formally submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Heavy Industries seeking allocation of electric buses under the ambitious PM E-Drive initiative. In response, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy assured full support to the state, confirming that Karnataka will receive electric buses in a phased and prioritized manner.
This assurance aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a clean, equitable, and futuristic transportation ecosystem powered by electric mobility.
🚍 What Is PM E-Drive?
The PM E-Drive initiative is a centrally sponsored scheme under the Ministry of Heavy Industries aimed at deploying 14,028 electric buses across 9 major Indian cities. It promotes zero-emission public transport, smart urban mobility, and green technology adoption.
Key Highlights:
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Total electric buses proposed: 14,028
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Budget outlay: ₹10,900 crore
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Implementation period: April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2026
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Supported by: Centre-State collaboration, private players, and electric infrastructure providers
🛣️ Karnataka’s Green Mobility Push
Karnataka, home to rapidly urbanizing hubs like Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Mangaluru, faces increasing pressure on its urban transport systems. The request by Karnataka’s Transport Minister Shri Ramalinga Reddy emphasizes:
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Modernizing city transport fleets
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Reducing carbon emissions
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Creating a sustainable and commuter-friendly urban infrastructure
Electric buses are seen as a critical enabler in the state’s efforts to reduce vehicular pollution, cut fuel costs, and shift to smart mobility.
🧭 Union Support: Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s Statement
Following detailed deliberations with officials, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said:
“I will ensure Karnataka receives all due support from the Government of India. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, we are transforming public mobility across India. Karnataka will definitely receive buses under PM E-Drive.”
He emphasized that allocation is already in process, and Karnataka’s cities will benefit in the next phase of deployment.
🏗️ Supporting Infrastructure: Charging & Maintenance Ecosystem
In addition to the bus allocation, the Centre-State discussions have focused on:
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Setting up charging stations and battery-swapping infrastructure
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Upgrading and constructing bus depots
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Creating robust vehicle maintenance and fleet management systems
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Training personnel for electric vehicle operations and servicing
Implementation models—PPP (Public-Private Partnership), Gross Cost Contract (GCC), and Hybrid Annuity Models—were also explored to ensure quick rollout and minimal financial strain on state transport corporations.
🌿 A Step Towards India’s Green Urban Transformation
The deployment of electric buses under the PM E-Drive is part of a larger green policy roadmap:
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Meeting India’s COP26 climate commitments
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Reducing dependence on fossil fuels
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Promoting ‘Make in India’ electric vehicles and battery systems
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Empowering urban local bodies (ULBs) to modernize their mobility architecture
Karnataka’s participation strengthens the Centre–State synergy, necessary for realizing the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP 2020–30).
📈 Anticipated Impact in Karnataka
Environmental:
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Reduce vehicular emissions, especially in Bengaluru (one of the world’s most polluted cities)
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Improve air quality index (AQI) levels in high-density urban corridors
Economic:
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Lower operational costs for KSRTC & BMTC
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Long-term savings via electric power vs. diesel fuels
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Job creation in charging, servicing, and EV logistics
Social:
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Enhanced passenger comfort and safety
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Accessibility for differently-abled commuters
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Lower noise pollution in urban zones
🧩 Challenges and Considerations
While the commitment is commendable, the state and central governments must navigate:
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High initial capital costs
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Power grid readiness in remote depots
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Developing battery disposal and recycling norms
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Ensuring affordability of fares to commuters
🧾 Looking Ahead: Execution Is Key
With Karnataka set to receive electric buses under PM E-Drive, the emphasis now shifts to:
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Transparent and timely procurement processes
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Selection of high-quality electric buses suited to city-specific terrain
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Building public trust in new-age public transport
Union Minister Kumaraswamy’s commitment reflects a strong intent to not just distribute buses, but to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive green transport ecosystem that can serve as a national model.
🇮🇳 Conclusion
The proposal by the Karnataka Government and the affirmative response from the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries mark a new chapter in India’s journey toward clean mobility. With robust policy backing, fiscal support, and visionary leadership at both state and national levels, the PM E-Drive initiative promises to redefine public transport in Karnataka and beyond.
For more details check Press Release on PIB website.
For more time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
