Strong early public interest has been observed in Gandhinagar’s recently launched electric bus service as part of the ‘PM eBus Sewa’ initiative. On the first day of operations, around 3,500 passengers utilized the service by 3 p.m., according to official data. The service was inaugurated by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, who introduced fully air-conditioned electric buses in the project’s initial phase.
The Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation has implemented the service under the ‘PM eBus Sewa’ program, deploying 40 electric buses on various routes connecting Gandhinagar city with its neighboring areas. This move signifies a shift towards cleaner urban transportation, with the buses integrated into a structured public transport network. The electric buses come equipped with air conditioning, accessibility features like ramps for individuals with disabilities, and designated seating for women and senior citizens.
A digital ticketing system has been introduced for the fleet, facilitating cashless transactions through QR code scanning and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to align with the growing trend of digital payments in public services. To promote initial usage and help commuters acclimate to the system, the municipal corporation has announced free travel on electric buses until July 12. Since its launch, the service has seen a consistent flow of passengers, with an early count of approximately 3,500 users by mid-afternoon indicating rapid acceptance among commuters.
Officials overseeing the rollout mentioned that the response will be evaluated to determine future route expansions and fleet deployments in subsequent phases. The introduction of electric buses is expected to play a role in reducing local air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions as part of broader urban sustainability initiatives. The municipal corporation plans to extend the system gradually based on operational performance and passenger demand.
