The Grand Challenge plan of Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL), a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Union power ministry, aims to bring about a significant shift towards electric transportation in India. As part of this plan, 1,500 non-AC electric buses were allocated to the city of Bengaluru on a gross cost contract, also known as a lease model. CESL invited tenders for the operation and maintenance of these buses, and Tata Motors submitted a quote of Rs 41 per kilometer (including the cost of the driver) for a period of 12 years.
However, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has shown interest in inducting only 921 of these e-buses so far. Of these, 187 will be inducted in the next four months, with the remainder to be added by 2025. The BMTC is setting up charging stations at Shantinagar, KR Puram, and Hoskote depots to support these buses.
The adoption of electric buses in Bengaluru represents a significant step towards the goal of reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in the city. Electric buses produce zero emissions and are significantly quieter than their diesel counterparts, making them a more environmentally friendly and less disruptive mode of transportation. In addition, the cost of operating electric buses is generally lower than that of diesel buses, as electricity is generally cheaper than diesel fuel.
However, the transition to electric buses is not without its challenges. One of the main challenges is the need to set up infrastructure to support these vehicles, including charging stations and maintenance facilities. In addition, there is a need to address issues related to the availability and reliability of electric bus batteries, as well as the potential for battery waste.
Another challenge is the upfront cost of purchasing electric buses, which is generally higher than that of diesel buses. However, this cost is offset by the lower operating costs and reduced maintenance requirements of electric buses. In addition, various government incentives are available to encourage the adoption of electric buses, including subsidies and tax credits.
Despite these challenges, the adoption of electric buses in Bengaluru holds great potential for improving the quality of life in the city and reducing its environmental impact. The success of this project could serve as a model for other cities in India and around the world looking to transition to electric transportation.
