The transition to green public transport, once a distant thought, is rapidly becoming a visible reality. Across India, home to the world’s largest population, a quiet yet powerful revolution is underway, one aimed at transforming public transit vehicles into electric alternatives. This shift is not merely a futuristic ambition; it is the product of over a decade of deliberate policy, technological innovation, and sustained investment.
Over the past decade, India’s public transport system has steadily shifted from fossil fuel dependency to cleaner and more sustainable electric solutions. This transformation is now visible on city streets and highways alike. Inter-city and inter-state buses, once dominated by diesel engines, are increasingly adopting electric drivetrains that are quieter, more efficient, and significantly less resource-intensive.
According to NITI Aayog, India had over 2.3 million electric vehicles on its roads as of early 2024, with public transportation accounting for a substantial portion of this growth. The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles scheme has been instrumental in driving this transition, particularly under its second phase, launched in 2019, which sanctioned over 7,000 electric buses across 169 cities.
Despite its promise, the transition to electric mobility comes with significant financial implications. The initial cost of electric buses is nearly double that of conventional diesel buses. However, this cost is offset over time by lower operational expenses, which are estimated to be between 30 and 40 percent lower due to reduced maintenance needs and the elimination of fuel dependency. In the long term, the benefits, including reduced carbon emissions, improved air quality, and enhanced energy security, outweigh the initial investment.
To address the funding gap, India has adopted innovative financing strategies such as public-private partnerships, green bonds, and targeted government incentives. The PM e Bus Sewa scheme, which aims to deploy 10,000 electric buses across 100 cities, exemplifies this approach.
The cities of Delhi and Mumbai provide compelling examples of this transition in practice. In Delhi, the Delhi Transport Corporation had incorporated over 1,500 electric buses into its fleet as of 2024, with an ambitious target of achieving 80 percent electrification by 2025. Complementary policies promoting electric auto rickshaws and taxis have also improved last-mile connectivity while maintaining zero emissions.
Similarly, Mumbai has emerged as a leader in electric bus adoption through the efforts of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking, which has integrated over 2,100 electric buses into its system. The city aims to achieve full electrification of its public bus fleet by 2027 and has already recorded a reduction of more than 40,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
Beyond road transport, India’s railway system is also undergoing a significant transformation. Indian Railways is working toward full electrification of its broad gauge network by 2030. As of 2024, more than 93 percent of the network, spanning approximately 60,000 kilometres, has already been electrified.
This effort is complemented by the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power across railway infrastructure. Trains like the Vande Bharat Express, equipped with regenerative braking systems and improved energy efficiency, represent the modernization of rail transport in line with sustainability goals.
India’s broader climate commitments closely align with its shift toward green public transport. Under its updated national contributions submitted in 2022, the country has pledged to reduce emissions intensity, expand non-fossil fuel energy capacity, and promote sustainable urban transport systems.
The goal of achieving 30 percent electric vehicle adoption by 2030 further underscores the central role of public transportation in this transition. This progress reflects a convergence of effective policy making, technological advancement, and growing public awareness.
The adoption of electric mobility extends beyond environmental considerations, encompassing public health, economic resilience, and global leadership in sustainable development. What was once a distant vision is now becoming a lived reality across the nation.
In conclusion, India’s public transport system is undergoing a profound transformation. What began as a cautious experiment has evolved into a coordinated national movement.
“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” ~ George Bernard Shaw
