UDUPI: A proposal seeking 50 electric buses for Udupi city has been submitted to the Karnataka government, with the initiative aimed at strengthening public transport and expanding the use of cleaner mobility options. The proposal, reported on October 23, 2026, concerns the introduction of electric buses through the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC).

The request comes amid efforts to expand electric public transport across Karnataka under central government-supported bus schemes. However, the proposal for Udupi is not yet confirmation that the 50 buses have been approved or that services will begin on a particular date.

Proposal submitted to Karnataka government

The proposal seeks 50 electric buses for Udupi city. Its submission marks a step towards expanding the city’s public transport fleet with vehicles that run on electricity rather than conventional diesel fuel.

Electric buses can help reduce exhaust emissions and noise along urban routes. Their operating costs and environmental benefits, however, depend on factors such as electricity prices, fleet utilisation, charging arrangements and maintenance requirements.

The proposal will need to be considered by the relevant government authorities before any allocation or implementation decision is confirmed.

Charging infrastructure will be important

The introduction of an electric bus fleet requires more than the procurement of vehicles. Depots must have suitable charging facilities, electrical connections and arrangements for regular maintenance.

Udayavani’s report includes references to the Nittur depot, the electricity utility MESCOM and KSRTC officials, indicating that depot and power infrastructure are relevant to the proposal. Details about the final infrastructure plan, the cost of the project and the proposed operating routes were not confirmed in the accessible report.

The availability of charging points will be important in determining how many trips the buses can complete each day. Operators must also plan charging schedules around passenger demand and service frequency.

Electric mobility initiatives in Karnataka

Karnataka has been working to expand electric bus services in urban areas through government-supported initiatives. The Union government’s PM-eBus Sewa scheme is designed to support the deployment of electric buses in eligible cities, with associated requirements for depots and charging infrastructure.

In May 2025, the Union government announced support for Karnataka’s request for electric buses under a central electric mobility initiative. Separately, official parliamentary information published in December 2025 referred to 750 electric buses sanctioned for Karnataka under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme. The allocation and implementation arrangements for individual cities depend on the relevant approvals and infrastructure readiness.

The proposal for 50 buses in Udupi should therefore be viewed as a city-specific request, distinct from confirmed allocations made to other cities.

Approval and rollout details awaited

If approved and implemented, the proposed fleet could expand the availability of public transport in Udupi and provide the city with an additional option for more environmentally friendly travel.

Key details still to be confirmed include the government’s decision on the proposal, the procurement and operating model, the charging infrastructure required, the routes to be served and the expected commencement date.

Until those details are announced, the proposal remains a request for 50 electric buses rather than a confirmed deployment plan.