Patna: Commuters in Bihar could soon have access to cleaner and more comfortable public transport, with around 100 electric buses expected to join the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) fleet by the end of July. The induction is part of the Centre-backed PM e-Bus initiative aimed at expanding sustainable urban transport.
According to the Transport Department, preparations for introducing the new buses have been completed. Officials from GreenCell Mobility, the company responsible for supplying the vehicles, recently met Transport Department officials and BSRTC Administrator Atul Verma to review the delivery schedule.
What the New e-Buses Mean for Bihar
The addition of nearly 100 electric buses is expected to strengthen BSRTC’s fleet while promoting cleaner public transport across the state. Electric buses produce no tailpipe emissions and are intended to offer quieter and more energy-efficient travel than conventional diesel buses.
Officials said the buses are scheduled to arrive during the last week of July, although detailed deployment plans and operational routes are yet to be announced.
The rollout forms part of Bihar’s broader efforts to modernise its public transport network and encourage the use of low-emission mobility solutions.
Bus Depot Redevelopment Moves Ahead
Alongside the e-bus rollout, the state government is moving forward with plans to redevelop 31 bus depots under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
A high-level review meeting examined the roadmap for preparing the Request for Proposal (RFP), which will pave the way for inviting bids for the redevelopment works.
According to officials, the upgraded depots are expected to support the expanding electric bus network while improving passenger amenities and operational efficiency.
PwC Asked to Expedite RFP
During the review meeting, consultancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) was directed to complete the RFP report at the earliest so that the tendering process can begin on schedule.
Officials said timely completion of the report is considered essential for keeping the depot modernisation programme on track.
Focus on Timely Completion
BSRTC Administrator Atul Verma instructed officials to ensure that both the PM e-Bus rollout and the depot redevelopment project are completed within the stipulated timeline.
According to the Transport Department, Verma assured departments and implementing agencies of full administrative support and asked them to coordinate closely to avoid delays.
What Happens Next
The first batch of around 100 PM e-buses is expected to reach Bihar by the end of July, after which BSRTC will begin integrating them into its fleet.
Meanwhile, work on the RFP for redeveloping 31 bus depots is expected to progress, with the bidding process set to begin once the consultancy submits its report. Officials said both projects are intended to strengthen Bihar’s public transport infrastructure and support the transition towards cleaner mobility.
