PM E-Bus Seva Yojana has been launched by the Central Government to improve the public transport infrastructure in cities. Under the scheme, the number of buses has been fixed for the states based on the population of the cities, according to which Raipur got 100 buses, Durg-Bhilai 50, Bilaspur 50 and Korba 40, thus a total of 240 e-buses have been approved. The Government of India has approved the operation of electric buses under the PM e-Bus Seva Scheme to four major cities of Chhattisgarh state, Raipur, Durg-Bhilai, Bilaspur, and Korba. This announcement is not only a proud moment for Chhattisgarh, but also a milestone for the entire country, an important step in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of a clean and green India. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said on this occasion, the introduction of electric buses in our state will revolutionise urban transport. This initiative takes us a step forward towards environmental protection as well as providing better transportation facilities to the citizens. On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Administration Minister Arun Sao said, due to the double engine government, we are touching new heights of innovation and stability.

 

It is noteworthy that this scheme of the Government of India is part of the Centre’s effort to link the central assistance provided to the states with transparency and their performance. The intention of the Central Government is that this scheme should be developed as an alternative or supporting means of Metro in cities so that people can get the facility of affordable, reliable and easy transportation. The proposals of 3 cities of Chhattisgarh have been approved in the sixth meeting of the Committee (CSSC) in Raipur on March 1 and in the seventh meeting on March 14. In this first scheme of its kind, the Central Government will provide financial assistance to the cities for the purchase and operation of buses, a large part of which will also be spent for the development of infrastructure like bus depots in cities. The general conditions of the scheme also include that third party audit of the money given under the project will be mandatory, so that there is complete transparency.

 

Cities will have to submit accounts of bus operations every three months. Under the scheme, three types of buses – standard, medium and mini – will be run. Cities are divided into four categories on the basis of population. Cities with population between twenty to forty lakh were eligible for 150 e-buses, cities with population between ten to twenty lakh and five to ten lakh were eligible for 100-100 and cities with population less than five lakh were eligible for 50 e-buses, on the basis of which Raipur 100 medium e buses. Durg Bhilai has received approval for 50 medium e-buses, Bilaspur for 35 medium and 15 mini e-buses and Korba for 20 medium and 20 mini e-buses.