PM-eBus Sewa | Scheme cost estimated Rs. 57,613 | Serviceable in 169 town
In a remarkable stride towards sustainable urban mobility, the Cabinet, led by Prime Minister (India) Shri Narendra Modi, has given the green light to the "PM-eBus Sewa" program. This groundbreaking initiative aims to enhance city bus operations through the deployment of 10,000 state-of-the-art e-buses under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. The estimated budget for the scheme stands at Rs. 57,613 crore, with a significant Central government contribution of Rs. 20,000 crore. The scheme's provisions will support bus operations over a decade, ushering in a new era of eco-friendly urban transportation.
Key Highlights of the PM-eBus Sewa Initiative:
1. Inclusivity for All Cities:
The scheme's coverage spans cities with populations exceeding three lakhs, in accordance with the 2011 census. This includes the capital cities of Union Territories, the North Eastern Region, and the Hill States. Notably, the scheme prioritizes cities lacking organized bus services, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
2. Boosting Employment:
With the deployment of approximately 10,000 e-buses in city bus operations, the initiative is projected to generate direct employment opportunities ranging from 45,000 to 55,000 jobs. This injection of employment will have a positive cascading effect on local economies.
3. Dual Segments for Progress:
a. Segment A - Enhancing City Bus Services (169 cities): The approved scheme will bolster urban transportation with the introduction of 10,000 e-buses through PPP collaborations. Essential infrastructure development and upgrades for depots will take place alongside the establishment of behind-the-meter power facilities to accommodate e-buses.
b. Segment B - Green Urban Mobility Initiatives (181 cities): The initiative encompasses environmentally conscious measures such as bus priority systems, multimodal interchange facilities, Automated Fare Collection Systems based on the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), and extensive charging infrastructure.
4. Shared Responsibilities:
The operation of bus services and payments to bus operators will fall under the jurisdiction of States/Cities. The Central Government will provide subsidies as specified in the scheme, offering a considerable boost to bus operations.
5. Propelling E-Mobility:
The scheme serves as a catalyst for the adoption of e-mobility by providing substantial support for behind-the-meter power infrastructure. Additionally, it offers resources for the establishment of charging infrastructure under the Green Urban Mobility Initiatives. The resulting acceleration of energy-efficient electric buses will drive innovation in the e-mobility sector, bolstering the supply chain for electric vehicles.
6. Advantages of Electric Mobility:
The scheme's implementation is poised to significantly reduce noise and air pollution, curbing carbon emissions and contributing to a greener environment. Furthermore, the anticipated shift towards increased bus-based public transportation will lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, marking a notable stride towards sustainable urban living.
In conclusion, the PM-eBus Sewa initiative marks a remarkable leap towards transforming urban transit systems and promoting eco-friendly mobility solutions. By uniting the public and private sectors, the scheme paves the way for a greener, more efficient urban transportation landscape, benefitting both the environment and the economy.
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