Chandigarh, May 5:— In a push toward greener public transport, the Chandigarh transport department is preparing to induct 100 new electric buses by October this year, aiming to phase out aging diesel-run vehicles and improve operational efficiency.
The department has submitted a proposal to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for approval under the central government’s PM e-Bus Sewa scheme. The Centre is expected to provide a major subsidy for the project.
While the Chandigarh administration will issue the tender for procurement, central approval is necessary due to the funding structure.
The Centre has requested a copy of the Request for Proposal (RFP) to assess the procurement terms. Officials said the RFP has been finalised and will be sent for review by Monday.
“These 100 electric buses will replace the outdated diesel fleet currently operating from CTU’s Depot Number 4,” said Pradyuman Singh, Director of the Chandigarh Transport Department.
“Once we receive approval from the Centre, we will move ahead with the tendering process.”
The buses to be replaced include both non-AC green and AC red automatic diesel models introduced in Chandigarh during the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
Now nearing the end of their 15-year lifespan, the diesel buses are scheduled for decommissioning between November and January.
Their age has led to frequent breakdowns and increased diesel consumption, driving up maintenance and operational costs.
The new electric fleet will be deployed on routes across Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali, expanding the tricity’s eco-friendly transport options.
Currently, 80 electric buses are already in service on urban and suburban routes in the region.
The proposed expansion aligns with broader efforts to modernize Chandigarh’s public transport system while reducing carbon emissions and fuel dependency.
