HD KUMARASWAMY, Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel | Photo credit: brochure email
The Heavias Ministry of Industries (MHI) said Friday that it received a formal proposal from the Karnataka government in search of the allocation of electric buss (e-buses) under the Prime Minister’s electronic conduction initiative (PM), to which it has ensured full support.
Karnataka Transport Minister, Ramaling Reddy Reddy, submitted the State’s application, citing the need for Erban public transport systems in key cities, he said.
Responding positively, HD Kumaraswamy, Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, maintained deliberations with senior ministry officials and assured the Karnataka government of full support of the center. The minister confirmed that the assignment process is already underway and that Karnataka will receive electric buses gradually and prioritized.
“I will make sure that Karnataka receives all the due support of the Government of India. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are transforming public mobility throughout India. Karnataka will definitely be Busidwamwam.”
According to the PM E-Drive scheme, 14,000 electronic buses will be assigned to nine main cities. The discussions between the union and the state governments have also covered the associated infrastructure, including cargo stations, bus deposits and vehicle maintenance systems.
Officials from both sides explored implementation models to guarantee a quick launch through identified urban groups, said the MHI.
“We are not only distributing buses, we are building a future of cleaner, emarter and more inclusive transport for the people of India. Karnataka Transport Minister, Ramaling Ramaling Ramalinga, has my full cooperation and that of the Ministry,” Kumaraswamy added.
The PM E-Drive initiative, the center aims to increase municipal bus operations with 14,028 e-buses. The scheme has a disbursement of ₹ 10.9 billion rupees for a period of two years from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2026.
Posted on May 16, 2025
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