Chandigarh Receives 15 Electric Buses Under PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme, More to Arrive Soon

Chandigarh has taken a major step towards sustainable public transport with the arrival of 15 new 12-metre, low-floor, air-conditioned electric buses on December 16, 2025, as part of the first batch of 25 sanctioned under the central government's PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme. Officials from the Union Territory's transport department confirmed that the remaining 10 buses are expected next week, making Chandigarh the first city in India to receive such fully electric, accessible vehicles under the initiative. This delivery aligns with the city's ambitious target of achieving one of the highest zero-emission vehicle adoption rates in the country by 2027.

The new buses feature a single-charge range of approximately 224 km, a low floor height of 400 mm for easy access, power-operated ramps, and an electronic kneeling mechanism to accommodate persons with disabilities, including wheelchair users. With air suspension, seating for 36 passengers, standing room for 20, and a dedicated wheelchair space, the vehicles prioritise comfort and inclusivity for seniors, women, and differently-abled commuters.

Safety and convenience enhancements include multiple CCTV cameras—for passenger counting at doors, saloon monitoring, driver oversight, and reversing—along with GPS tracking, emergency panic buttons, and digital passenger information displays. Voice-enabled systems announce upcoming stops, complemented by stop-request buttons on alternate stanchions, ensuring a modern and user-friendly experience.

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A total of 100 electric buses have been approved for Chandigarh under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme, with the next 25 due by January's end and the remaining 50 by February or early March 2026. This expansion follows the recent decommissioning of 85 ageing diesel buses on November 19, 2025, after completing their 15-year lifespan, with services maintained by reallocating vehicles from long routes.

In a significant boost, the Centre has approved an additional 328 electric buses, bringing the total sanctioned fleet to 428. This substantial investment underscores Chandigarh's commitment to clean mobility and positions the planned city as a leader in transitioning to carbon-free urban transport.

As these initiatives progress, the enhanced electric fleet is expected to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and provide reliable, eco-friendly public transport for residents of the tricity area encompassing Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali.

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