Nagpur is inching closer to becoming the first city in India to launch the Prime Minister’s e-Bus service, following the Central Government’s approval of the official logo and colour palette for the nation-wide fleet. The move marks a decisive step towards introducing a new era of eco-friendly public transport in the Orange City. Rajesh Bhagat, Transport Manager, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), confirmed that Centre has circulated eight to ten approved colour shades, allowing each participating city to choose its preferred combination while retaining the common national identity. “In line with the Government’s framework, our department has developed four design options that complement Nagpur’s existing city bus colours,” Bhagat stated.

 

“The final decision will be made shortly, and after approval, it should take about three weeks to prepare the buses for deployment.” The PM e-Bus initiative, unveiled for cities across India, is yet to begin operations in the country. With preparations in the final phase, Nagpur appears poised to lead the way, setting a national precedent for sustainable and modern urban transport. The city is slated to receive 150 advanced, zero-emission electric buses under the scheme, which aims to make public commuting more energy-efficient, quieter, and pollution-free. Earlier this year, from July 14 to 16, NMC conducted a successful three-day trial of a prototype e-bus, earning positive response from both officials and passengers.

 

Once launched, the PM e-Bus service is expected to add to Nagpur’s urban mobility system and cement its position as a trailblazer in India’s green transport transformation. With the start of PM e-Bus service, NMC would be inching towards the goal of having a public transport that is compliant with the environment norms since most of its fleet would be electric. That would compensate for retiring of diesel-run buses in the fleet that are due for scrapping having completed 15 years of service. As per new norms framed by Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, public vehicles that have completed mandatory 15 years would not be eligible for renewal post payment of green tax, as is the policy for private vehicles. Apart from buses received from the Central Government, NMC is also due to get new electric buses from Maharashtra Government. That would ensure that entire Aapli Bus fleet would be green.