India’s CESL Launches Tender for 6,230 Electric Buses Under PM E-Drive and Delhi GCC Programme

Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), the Government of India’s nominated agency for electric mobility procurement, has launched a large-scale tender to deploy 6,230 electric buses across key cities under the nationwide PM E-Drive initiative and the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) programme for Delhi.

Under this tender, interested operators and service providers are invited to submit bids for the procurement, supply, operation and maintenance of electric buses along with necessary infrastructure. The deployment will follow the GCC model, where contracted operators are responsible for fleet operations and charging support services.

A significant portion 3,330 buses is designated for the National Capital Territory of Delhi, including a variety of low-floor, air-conditioned buses designed for improved urban transit. The remaining 2,900 buses form part of the next phase of the PM E-Drive rollout, aimed at strengthening public transport networks in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune with modern electric mobility solutions.

India’s electric bus market has been gaining traction, with annual sales rising sharply as cities seek to modernise their public transport fleets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Government programmes like FAME, PM E-Bus Sewa and PM E-Drive have been key drivers of this transition, making zero-emission buses a growing component of urban mobility plans.

Source: Busworld News