PM-eBus Sewa Scheme lies in cold storage

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 6 : The PM-eBus Sewa Scheme, a Central Government initiative launched on August 16, 2023 under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to enhance urban publi transport with electric buses and facilitate cleaner transportation, remains unimplemented in Manipur.
According to a report received by The Sangai Express, the MAHUD department will function as the nodal department for implementation of the scheme in Manipur, while the Transport Department  will act as the implementing agency.
The report stated that MAHUD has forwarded the prepared PM-eBus Sewa Scheme project to the Finance Department for approval.
It added that the proposal was re-sent after the earlier process was halted due to certain reasons.
Once approved by the Finance Department, the project will be forwarded to the Ministry concerned for final clearance.
Under the scheme, Manipur is eligible to deploy 50 e-buses, with provisions for more than 50 if required.
The scheme aims to roll out e-bus services initially in Imphal Municipal Corporation areas.
It is reported that Manipur is eligible to receive approximately Rs 10 crore in Central assistance for implementation of the scheme.
As the initiative operates under the PPP model, procurement of e-buses and appointment of the operation team will be handled by the Ministry through a tender process.
The report further stated that the Central Government will undertake construction of infrastructure for the e-bus service.
Under the scheme, the Centre will provide 100 per cent assistance for developing Behind-The-Meter Power Infrastructure and Civil Depot Infrastructure.
The report also stated that the scheme offers 60 per cent Central assistance in State cities, 90 per cent in hill States, North East States, and Union Territories with Legislatures, and 100 per cent in capitals of Union Territories without Legislatures.
The Central Government also provides subsidies to States for implementation of the scheme, along with per-kilometre assistance until March 2037.
Apart from reducing air and noise pollution and traffic congestion, implementation of the e-bus scheme will also generate employment opportunities, the report added.
Even as Manipur has not received any benefits under the scheme so far, the report stated that the department concerned is actively working to implement the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme in the State.
The fare collected from e-bus services will fund bus maintenance and operations, with the State Government required to cover any shortfall, the report said.
Some States including Assam have already implemented the e-bus scheme. The Centre aims to deploy 10,000 e-buses under the scheme to improve urban public transport and facilitate environment friendly transportation.