Gujarat: Over 3,000 ride new electric buses in Gandhinagar under 'PM eBus Sewa'
Gandhinagar, June 29
Strong early public uptake has been recorded for Gandhinagar's newly introduced electric bus service under the 'PM eBus Sewa' initiative, with approximately 3,500 passengers using the service by 3 p.m. on the first day of operation, according to official data.
The service was inaugurated on Sunday by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, who flagged off fully air-conditioned electric buses as part of the project's first phase.
The rollout has been implemented by the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation under the centrally supported 'PM eBus Sewa' programme, with 40 electric buses currently deployed across multiple routes linking Gandhinagar city with surrounding areas.
Officials said the introduction of the fleet marks a transition towards cleaner urban mobility, with the buses designed to operate within a structured public transport network.
The vehicles are equipped with air conditioning and include accessibility features, such as ramps for persons with disabilities, as well as designated seating for women and senior citizens.
A digital ticketing system has been introduced across the fleet, allowing cashless transactions through QR code scanning and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), in line with broader digital payment adoption in public services.
To encourage initial use and help commuters become familiar with the system, the municipal corporation has announced that travel on electric buses will remain free until July 12.
According to officials involved in the rollout, the service has seen steady passenger traffic since its launch, with an early figure of around 3,500 users by mid-afternoon indicating rapid adoption among commuters.
They added that the response would be assessed to guide future route expansion and fleet deployment in subsequent phases.
Authorities expect the introduction of electric buses to contribute to reductions in local air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions as part of broader urban sustainability measures.
The municipal corporation has stated that the system will be extended in stages based on operational performance and passenger demand.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Nice initiative but 40 buses for a city like Gandhinagar seems less. Also, free rides are good for promoting use, but I hope the maintenance doesn't get neglected like BRTS in Ahmedabad. Ramps for disabled and seats for women are essential — glad they included that. Digital ticketing is great, but make sure there is offline backup for people without smartphones, especially senior citizens. 🇮🇳
I've visited Gandhinagar a few times — it's a well-planned city but public transport was always lacking. This is a step in the right direction. The AC electric buses and UPI payments make it feel modern and clean. However, I wonder about the charging infrastructure and battery life. Hope they have proper depots with fast chargers to avoid delays. Sustainability is the way forward. 🌍
Full marks to PM eBus Sewa! Gandhinagar, being the capital, deserved modern buses. The fact that they connected surrounding areas like Chiloda and Infocity is practical — people commute daily. 3500 in half a day is impressive for a first day. But I think authorities should focus on frequency and punctuality. If buses come on time, people will happily shift from private vehicles. Also, need safe bus stops with shelters — afternoon heat here is no joke! 😅
Great to see electric buses rolling out in Gandhinagar! The air quality there is usually better than Ahmedabad, but more EVs can only help. I appreciate the free trial period — it encourages residents to try the service without fear. One concern: will there be enough frequency during rush hours? Also, are these buses wheelchair-friendly? The article mentioned ramps for disabled, which is good. Please ensure proper training for drivers and staff to assist passengers. 🚍✨
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.