Karnataka requests electric buses under PM E-Drive scheme

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H D Kumaraswamy, in discussions with ministry officials, assured Karnataka of full support. He confirmed that electric bus allocations are in progress and will be provided to Karnataka in a phased manner. “Karnataka will receive buses under the PM E-Drive scheme,” Kumaraswamy said.

Launched in April 2024 with a Rs 10,900 crore budget, the PM E-Drive initiative aims to deploy 14,028 electric buses across nine major Indian cities by March 2026. Discussions between the Centre and Karnataka also covered infrastructure development, including charging stations, bus depots, and maintenance systems, to ensure efficient implementation.

Prior to the PM E-Drive request, Karnataka’s road transport corporations are already advancing in the electric mobility space. On April 29 this year, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) announced plans to introduce 320 air-conditioned electric buses by May 2025, replacing its Volvo fleet.

In the same month, the Karnataka Cabinet also approved the procurement of 4,000 electric buses for BMTC, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation, supported by a Rs 3,000 crore World Bank loan.

Additionally, Karnataka leads India with 5,880 EV charging stations with plans for an EV testing track and research cluster in Bengaluru.