Overview

• The Karnataka government formally requested electric buses under the PM E-Drive scheme to enhance public transport in key cities.
• Union Heavy Industries Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy assured full support and confirmed phased and prioritized delivery of buses to the state.
• The Ministry of Heavy Industries has begun discussions with state officials on necessary infrastructure, including charging stations, bus depots, and maintenance systems.
• The PM E-Drive initiative, launched in April 2024, aims to deploy 14,028 electric buses across nine cities with a ₹10,900 crore budget by March 2026.
• Implementation models are being explored to ensure efficient rollout of buses and supporting infrastructure in urban clusters.