75 new 41-seater electric buses are set to join the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) fleet this Wednesday. Out of those, 25 buses will be deployed at Khapri depot. Meanwhile, the rest of 50 buses will be deployed at Wathoda depot. With the addition of these 75 new buses, NMC fleet will expand to 628 buses serving the citizens of the city across 110 routes.

 

Out of 250 bus order; 75 electric buses still in the pipeline The city’s transition towards sustainable urban mobility is set to receive a major boost as new 12-metre electric buses are officially scheduled to join the fleet on April 8. This significant addition follows the successful integration of the initial 100 electric buses, marking a critical step in fulfilling the city’s 250-bus order aimed at modernising public transport. With this delivery, 75 buses are still in pipeline. According to Senior Transport Officer, the new rollout is strategically categorised to serve different commuter needs across the city: A portion of 75 buses will consist of 41-seater models, designed for high-traffic corridors with a standing capacity for an additional 24 passengers.

 

While the arrival of these buses is a milestone, the project has faced significant bottlenecks due to incomplete charging infrastructure. An administrative officer had shared that primary delay stems from pending electricity line work and incomplete depot infrastructure at the Khapri and Wathoda locations. The administration has purposely halted further deliveries to prevent the vehicles from tiring in the sun without proper charging facilities, the official shared. However, with the upcoming rollout, authorities indicate that these electrical hurdles are being systematically addressed to operationalise the fleet immediately. The influx of these electric vehicles is part of a visionary project funded by the Chief Minister’s Secretariat to reduce Nagpur’s carbon footprint. The initiative was championed by the Maharashtra Government to modernise public transport in city. The operationalisation of these 75 new units, is expected to trigger a phased withdrawal of the older 195 diesel bus fleet, leading Nagpur toward a more breathable and sustainable environment.