Karnataka seeks electric buses from Centre under PM E-Drive scheme

New Delhi: The Karnataka state government has sought allocation of electric buses under PM E-Drive initiative from the Central government. "The Ministry of Heavy Industries has received a formal proposal from the Government of Karnataka seeking allocation of electric buses under the centrally-sponsored PM E-Drive initiative. Karnataka Transport Minister Shri Ramalinga Reddy submitted the state’s request, citing need for enhanced urban public transport systems in key cities," said a statement issued by the ministry on Friday.

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HD Kumaraswamy assures Karnataka of complete support

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy held deliberations with senior officials of the ministry and assured the Karnataka government of complete support from the Centre. The Union Minister confirmed that the process of allocation is already underway and that Karnataka will receive electric buses in a phased and prioritised manner.

“I will ensure that Karnataka receives all due support from the government of India,” said Kumaraswamy. “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, we are transforming public mobility across India. Karnataka will definitely receive buses under PM E-Drive,” he said.

The Union Minister added, “We are not just distributing buses — we are building a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive transport future for the people of India. Karnataka Transport Minister Shri Ramalinga Reddy has my full cooperation and that of the Ministry.”

PM E-Drive scheme

14,000 electric buses are to be allocated to nine major cities under the PM E-Drive initiative. Discussions between the Union and state governments have also covered associated infrastructure, including charging stations, bus depots, and vehicle maintenance systems. Officials from both sides explored implementation models to ensure rapid rollout across identified urban clusters.

The PM E-Drive initiative aims to augment city bus operations with 14,028 electric buses. The scheme has an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore over a period of two years from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2026. The Ministry of Heavy Industries remains committed to delivering on this transformative mission in collaboration with all state governments and stakeholders.

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