Conrad K. Sangma, on Tuesday, flagged off five electric buses under the PM eBus Sewa Scheme, marking a significant step towards promoting sustainable urban mobility and strengthening Shillong’s public transport system. The programme was held at Taraghar–State Guest House in Shillong in the presence of senior government officials, representatives of implementing agencies, and other stakeholders.
The introduction of electric buses forms part of the state government’s broader strategy to reduce traffic congestion, improve public transportation, and promote cleaner modes of travel. The newly inducted buses are fully air-conditioned, zero-emission vehicles capable of travelling approximately 180 to 200 kilometres on a single charge. Each bus can accommodate 25 passengers and is equipped with modern features such as e-ticketing systems, wheelchair accessibility, foldable ramps, and overhead storage.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister thanked the Government of India for its support through the PM eBus Sewa Scheme and said the initiative reflects the vision of Narendra Modi in advancing sustainable public transportation across the country.
Sangma acknowledged that public transportation has long been a major challenge for Shillong and said the government has been working on multiple solutions to address the issue. He described the electric bus rollout as a crucial step towards building a modern and efficient transport system suited to the city’s growing needs.
He said the government’s larger objective is to decongest Shillong by encouraging citizens to shift from private vehicles to public transport. The electric bus initiative, he added, is part of a wider roadmap that includes the development of parking infrastructure, urban planning measures, and the establishment of a new administrative city at Mawdiangdiang.
The Chief Minister also highlighted ongoing connectivity projects linking Shillong to the upcoming administrative city, including a proposed four-lane road aimed at reducing pressure on the existing city centre.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to electric mobility, Sangma announced that the policy exempting electric vehicles from registration fees and road taxes will be renewed after the completion of its initial three-year term. He clarified that the earlier exemption had expired automatically and would resume once the renewed policy receives Cabinet approval.
Encouraging citizens to adopt electric vehicles, he noted that EVs are well-suited to Meghalaya’s terrain and can be conveniently charged at home. He added that senior government officials and Cabinet Ministers would increasingly be encouraged to use electric vehicles, with the government aiming to lead by example in promoting cleaner transportation.
Sangma also pointed to opportunities for private landowners and communities to participate in the development of charging stations and parking infrastructure, which could generate employment and additional revenue.
Earlier, Commissioner and Secretary of the Urban Affairs Department, Vijay Kumar D, informed that Shillong has been sanctioned a total of 50 electric buses under the PM eBus Sewa Scheme. He said the city is transitioning to a Gross Cost Contract model, where operators are compensated based on service standards rather than fare collection.
He added that the buses are GPS-enabled and operate on fixed schedules with real-time monitoring systems to ensure reliability. Highlighting the success of the recently introduced diesel bus fleet under the same model, he said daily ridership has increased from around 300 passengers at launch to nearly 3,000 passengers per day.
According to officials, four major routes have been identified for the electric buses, and Shillong is expected to have a combined fleet of nearly 150 diesel and electric buses within the next six months, capable of serving approximately 60,000 commuters daily.
Follow us
