The staff at Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) have decided to adopt electric vehicles (EVs), replacing a significant portion of its 90 diesel-run vehicles used for official and field operations. BMC officials announced on Friday that this initiative is aimed at promoting green mobility and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, given the current environmental challenges, while supporting climate-resilient urban infrastructure in Bhubaneswar.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
“This move will cut carbon emissions and vehicular pollution generated by routine municipal transport operations, while also helping improve urban air quality and reduce noise pollution,” a BMC officer stated. BMC sources indicated that the initiative is also expected to lower recurring expenditure on diesel and bring operational savings over time.
Fleet Composition and Procurement Plan
BMC plans to introduce 60 EVs, including 50 small car or sedan models and 10 SUV segment vehicles. “To implement the plan, we will invite bids through an expression of interest process. We will seek reputed fleet operators, EV aggregators, authorised agencies, and transport service providers with experience in fleet management and mobility services,” the BMC officer added.
The selected agency or agencies will be required to provide operationally-ready EVs, along with charging support, maintenance services, replacement arrangements, and compliance with statutory requirements. This comprehensive approach ensures a seamless transition to electric mobility for the municipal corporation.
