Follow India Renewable Energy News on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights

CESL Floats Tender for 10,900 Electric Buses Across Five Major Cities Under PM E-Drive Phase 1

Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL), a subsidiary of EESL under the Ministry of Power and MNRE, has issued a major tender to deploy 10,900 electric buses across five major Indian cities under the PM E-Drive Phase 1 scheme. The tender, floated on June 27, covers procurement, supply, operation, and maintenance of electric buses, including development of associated electric and civil infrastructure. The project follows the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model per Ministry of Heavy Industries guidelines, with bid submissions open until August 12, 2025.

Bengaluru will receive the largest share with 4,500 buses, followed by Delhi (2,800), Hyderabad (2,000), Ahmedabad (1,000), and Surat (600). Bus types include a mix of AC and Non-AC models across low-floor, standard-floor, and BRT formats. Delhi's fleet will be fully AC low-floor, while Bengaluru and Hyderabad will see varied configurations. Ahmedabad’s buses will serve BRT routes, and Surat’s fleet will consist of AC standard-floor units.

This initiative marks a significant move toward decarbonizing urban transport, modernizing public mobility, and reducing emissions. The PM E-Drive Phase 1 signals India’s aggressive push toward electrifying public transport, with CESL spearheading the implementation.