Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Saturday flagged off 29 new electric buses in Jaipur under the Prime Minister’s e-Bus Sewa Scheme, marking a significant step toward sustainable urban transport in Rajasthan. The event took place at Amar Jawan Jyoti, after which the CM traveled in one of the buses to the state hangar to inspect onboard facilities. Through video conferencing, he also inaugurated 18 electric buses in Bhilwara.
Specifications and initial routes
The newly inducted buses are 9-metre-long vehicles, with additional 9-metre and 12-metre buses expected to join the fleet in the coming months. Operations began from the Bagrana depot on Saturday, with buses initially plying on three routes across Jaipur. The launch comes four months after the buses completed trial runs in the city on February 26.
For daily commuters, the addition is expected to improve the availability of public transport while offering a cleaner alternative to conventional fuel-powered vehicles. The buses are equipped with CCTV cameras, panic buttons, air-conditioning systems, and other safety features, with special attention to the needs of women, students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
Government’s vision for electric mobility
Addressing the gathering, Sharma said the Prime Minister’s e-Bus Sewa Scheme, launched in August 2023, aims to promote clean and sustainable urban mobility. He noted that the Centre is supporting states in developing bus depots, electric charging infrastructure, and operational facilities under the scheme.
The CM announced that Rajasthan is set to receive 1,150 electric buses in total. Of these, 675 have been sanctioned for eight cities: Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota, Bikaner, Bhilwara, Alwar, and Ajmer. Another 475 buses have been approved additionally. The state government aims to roll out the first batch of 675 buses by Diwali.
Future plans
Sharma also revealed plans to introduce 555 more electric buses and 50 double-decker electric buses to strengthen urban transport and promote tourism. These additions are part of the state’s broader strategy to enhance public transport infrastructure while reducing carbon emissions.
