CHANDIGARH, Dec 16 — Chandigarh has received 15 electric buses as part of its plan to achieve one of the highest zero-emission vehicle adoption rates in India by 2027, officials said. The buses are part of the first lot of 25 sanctioned under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme, with the remaining 10 expected next week.
The city became the first in India to receive 12-metre, low-floor, air-conditioned electric buses under the scheme. Each bus can travel about 224 km on a single charge and features a floor height of 400 mm to ensure easy boarding for senior citizens and women. Power-operated ramps and an electronically controlled kneeling mechanism provide access for persons with disabilities, including wheelchair users.
“These buses are designed for commuter convenience and accessibility, with voice-enabled announcements for stops and easy-to-use stop-request buttons,” said a transport department official.
The buses have air suspension at both ends, seating for 36 passengers, standing space for 20, a designated wheelchair area, and multiple safety features. Cameras at passenger doors count boarding and alighting, while four additional CCTV cameras monitor the passenger saloon, driver behavior, and reverse movement. GPS devices, panic buttons, and passenger information display systems have also been installed.
Chandigarh Transport Undertaking officials said 100 electric buses have been approved under the scheme. Another batch of 25 buses is expected by the end of January, with the remaining 50 scheduled for delivery by late February or early March next year.
Meanwhile, 85 diesel buses were retired from tricity routes on Nov. 19 after completing their 15-year service life. To maintain uninterrupted service, diesel buses were redeployed on intra-city routes.
The Centre recently approved 328 more electric buses for Chandigarh under the PM e-Bus Service Scheme, bringing the city’s total sanctioned electric fleet to 428 buses, a significant step toward making Chandigarh a carbon-free city.
