Technology
Over 3,600 electric buses in latest PM E-Bus tender
Livemint··29 Sept
Firms from telefilms, solar and software joined bidders for over 3,600 electric buses under PM E-Bus Sewa, Mint reported. The tender closed on 22 September, with awards likely within two months. Widened rules let infrastructure companies bid with manufacturer or operator partners. State agencies pay operators per kilometre for 10 to 12 years under the scheme.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Consortium bids allow non-traditional firms to run subsidised city bus services.
- Manufacturers such as Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland rely on fleet operators to apply.
- Operators procure buses and partner on charging infrastructure after winning contracts.
What's Happening
- Jaipur-based Stockwell Solar Services also appeared on the bidder list Mint reviewed.
- Participation widened after a 2025 tender for 10,900 electric buses drew similar entrants.
- Rules changed because manufacturers were reluctant to both build and operate buses.
How PM E-Bus Sewa Contracts Work
- Operators sign agreements with state transport agencies for long per-kilometre payments.
- The government-backed market now stretches beyond traditional busmakers.
- Mint found media, solar and software firms joining infrastructure tenders as well.
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