Another significant move to modernize public transportation and transition to electric vehicles is progressing in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The ‘PM-eBus Sewa’ initiative by the Central government is set to begin trial runs with passengers starting Monday. During this trial period, passengers will ride for free until the official launch on August 15.
The electric buses in Bhopal underwent five days of operational testing without passengers before the trial runs. These tests assessed timings, traffic flow, and overall system functionality on various routes. Following the successful empty runs, the buses are now ready for passenger operations.
Initially, 10 electric buses will serve two routes, with Board Office Square as the central hub. The first route will run from Bairagarh Depot to Kolar, passing through Lalghati, Peer Gate, Moti Masjid, Kamala Park, and New Market. The second route will connect Depot Square to the Coach Factory via Board Office, Chetak Bridge, Subhash Nagar, Prabhat Chauraha, and Ashoka Garden.
The ‘PM-eBus Sewa’ scheme under the Central government is launching the e-bus service in Bhopal. The broader plan aims to introduce 100 electric buses across 10 city routes by 2026. Bhopal has already received 21 e-buses, with a dedicated depot at Sant Hirdaram Nagar for parking and charging.
The new electric buses in Bhopal feature modern technologies for enhanced passenger safety and convenience. They include digital ticketing, mobile app pass generation, five CCTV cameras, AI-based passenger counting, emergency buttons, panic buttons, stop buttons, emergency hammers, public announcement systems, LED passenger information displays, and hydraulic wheelchair lifts for improved accessibility.
Preparations are in progress for the official service launch on August 15 post the passenger trials. The full fleet of 100 buses, once operational, is expected to transform Bhopal’s public transport into a more convenient, reliable, and eco-friendly system, promoting cleaner and smarter urban mobility.
