Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday, 28 June 2026 announced the launch of the PM eBus Sewa scheme in Gandhinagar, marking what he called a 'new sunrise of pollution-free, hi-tech transport' for the state capital. The scheme, inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, carries a nationwide budget of Rs 57,613 crore.

Context

CM Patel's post, written in Gujarati, announced: 'ગાંધીનગરના આંગણે પ્રદૂષણ-મુક્ત હાઇટેક પરિવહનનો નવો સૂર્યોદય' ('A new sunrise of pollution-free, hi-tech transport at the doorstep of Gandhinagar'). The event marks the formal rollout of the central government's flagship electric bus programme in Gujarat's administrative capital. Amit Shah, who represents the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency, presided over the inauguration.

Under the scheme, Gandhinagar has been allocated 100 electric buses in total. In the first phase, 40 air-conditioned e-buses will operate across 18 routes in the city, offering residents a cleaner and more modern commuting option.

Policy Backdrop

The PM eBus Sewa scheme is a centrally sponsored programme aimed at augmenting urban public transport through electric buses across cities that currently lack organised bus networks. With a total outlay of Rs 57,613 crore, the scheme targets hundreds of cities nationwide and is part of India's broader push toward decarbonising urban mobility.

To support operations in Gandhinagar, infrastructure worth Rs 17 crore has been commissioned, including a state-of-the-art depot, modern charging stations, and an Operational Control System (OCS) for real-time fleet management. The investment reflects the scheme's emphasis on building end-to-end electric transport ecosystems rather than merely procuring buses.

Stakeholders and Impact

The new fleet has been designed with inclusivity in mind. Each bus is equipped with hydraulic ramps for persons with disabilities (Divyang), and dedicated reserved seating for women and senior citizens. Passengers can also travel cashless using Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETM), aligning with the government's digital payments push.

For Gandhinagar — a planned city that has historically had limited public bus connectivity — the introduction of 100 AC electric buses represents a significant upgrade. Daily commuters, government employees, students, and tourists visiting the city's institutions stand to benefit directly from the expanded network across 18 routes.

What's Next

The current launch covers only the first phase of 40 buses; the remaining 60 buses from Gandhinagar's allocation are expected to be inducted in subsequent phases as charging and depot infrastructure scales up. Nationally, the PM eBus Sewa rollout is expected to continue across other cities, with state governments responsible for route planning and day-to-day operations under the central framework.

The Gandhinagar launch sets a visible benchmark for other Gujarat cities awaiting their own allocations under the scheme, and signals the state government's intent to position electric mobility as a core pillar of urban infrastructure ahead of future expansion.