The Karnataka government has sought allocation of electric buses under the Centre’s PM E-Drive initiative in a formal proposal submitted by the state’s transport minister, Ramalinga Reddy.
In a meeting with Union minister for heavy industries, H D Kumaraswamy, on Friday, Reddy said that Karnataka needed enhanced public transport system in its key cities.
Kumaraswamy held deliberations with senior officials of the heavy industries ministry and assured the Karnataka government of complete support from the Centre, adding that they will receive electric buses in a “phased and prioritised manner” and that the process of allocation was already underway.
“I will ensure that Karnataka receives all due support from the Government of India,” Kumaraswamy said, adding, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are transforming public mobility across India. Karnataka will definitely receive buses under PM E-Drive.”
Over 14,000 electric buses are to be allocated to nine major cities under the initiative that has an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore for two years from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2026.
Discussions between the union and state governments have also covered associated infrastructure, including charging stations, bus depots, and vehicle maintenance systems. Officials from both sides explored implementation models to ensure rapid roll-out across identified urban clusters, a statement said.
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