Governance
PM-eBus Sewa
- 18 Aug 2023
- 5 min read
For Prelims: PM-eBus Sewa, Electric Buses, Public-Private Partnership (PPP), E- Mobility, National Common Mobility Card, Greenhouse Gas.
For Mains: PM-eBus Sewa, its significance in sustainable mobility and GreenHouse Gas Reduction.
Why in News?
The Indian Cabinet has approved the "PM-eBus Sewa" scheme, aiming to bolster city bus operations by introducing 10,000 Electric Buses through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
What is PM-eBus Sewa?
- About:
- It aims to enhance urban transportation efficiency and promote Environmentally-Friendly Practices.
- Segment A: Augmenting City Bus Services (169 cities):
- This segment is dedicated to strengthening urban transportation by 10,000 e-buses under the PPP model.
- The initiative recognizes that efficient operations require the development or upgrading of depot infrastructure, alongside the creation of essential behind-the-meter power infrastructure like substations to accommodate the electric buses.
- Segment B: Green Urban Mobility Initiatives (181 cities):.
- This segment includes enhancing bus priority, improving infrastructure, establishing multimodal interchange facilities, implementing NCMC (National Common Mobility Card)-based Automated Fare Collection Systems, and building necessary charging infrastructure.
- By integrating these sustainable practices, the scheme aims to transform urban mobility landscapes.
- Target Population and Unreached Areas:
- The scheme will encompass cities with populations of three lakh and above, based on the 2011 census data.
- This comprehensive approach includes all Capital cities of Union Territories, regions in the North Eastern part of the country, and hilly states.
- A significant highlight of the scheme is its focus on cities lacking organized bus services, making it an effort to bridge the urban mobility gap.
- Operation and Facilitation:
- The operational aspect of the scheme places the responsibility on states and cities to manage and sustain the bus services while making payments to the appointed bus operators.
- The Central Government's role is to facilitate and support these operations by providing subsidies as outlined in the scheme.
What is the Significance of the Scheme?
- Employment Opportunity:
- The scheme is projected to create a direct employment opportunity surge, with an estimated range of 45,000 to 55,000 jobs.
- This boost will stem from the deployment of electric buses in city bus operations, contributing to economic growth while addressing pressing urban mobility needs.
- Boosting E-Mobility:
- It seeks to propel the adoption of E-Mobility, underpinned by comprehensive support for the requisite behind-the-meter power infrastructure.
- Furthermore cities will receive backing for the development of crucial charging infrastructure as part of the Green Urban Mobility Initiatives.
- This holistic approach not only accelerates the adoption of energy-efficient electric buses but also drives innovation within the e-mobility sector.
- Environmental Impact and GHG Reduction:
- The shift towards electric mobility is projected to have profound environmental benefits.
- By reducing noise and air pollution and curbing carbon emissions, the scheme aligns with broader sustainability goals.
- The increased utilization of bus-based public transportation will also lead to a modal shift, further contributing to the reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions.
What are the Government Initiatives to Promote E-MObility?
Way Forward
- The "PM-eBus Sewa" scheme stands as a pivotal initiative in promoting sustainable urban mobility and electric vehicle adoption.
- With its multi-faceted approach spanning direct employment generation, infrastructure development, and environmental conservation, the scheme exemplifies India's commitment to creating resilient and eco-friendly urban transportation systems.
- This forward-thinking strategy is set to have far-reaching implications for both urban development and environmental stewardship.
