Mangaluru: Mangaluru has taken a significant step towards introducing electric public transport after the city was sanctioned 100 electric buses under the Central Government’s Prime Minister e-Bus Sewa Scheme. The process of setting up charging infrastructure is now underway, with Mangalore Electricity Supply Company (MESCOM) inviting bids for charging facilities at the designated bus depots.
Officials expect the electric bus service to become operational within the next six months if the project progresses according to schedule.
Charging infrastructure work gathers pace
MESCOM has floated a tender for establishing charging points required for operating the fleet of electric buses in Mangaluru.
The deadline for submitting bids ended on July 8, and the charging infrastructure is expected to be completed within three months after the contract is awarded.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) has already approved the charging facilities proposed at the bus depots in Kuntikan and Mudipu-Balepuni, clearing an important milestone for the project.
Civil works tender to be issued soon
Following the completion of the charging infrastructure tender process, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is expected to invite bids for civil works at the two depots.
Officials said the notification process is currently underway, and the tender for the depot infrastructure is likely to be issued shortly.
The Prime Minister e-Bus Sewa Scheme prescribes strict timelines for implementing projects, and authorities are expected to complete the depot works within the stipulated schedule.
Once the civil works are completed, the Central Government will initiate a national-level tender for procuring the electric buses.
National-level firms expected to participate
Several reputed companies from across the country are expected to participate in the procurement process for supplying the electric buses.
According to sources, representatives of some companies have already visited Mangaluru to inspect the proposed depots at Kuntikan and Balepuni ahead of the tender process.
If the implementation proceeds without delays, the electric buses are expected to begin operations within six months.
High demand for city bus services
KSRTC officials said there is considerable demand for public transport services within Mangaluru city, with several applications already received seeking new bus routes.
The corporation plans to allocate the electric buses to routes based on operational priorities and passenger demand once the fleet is inducted.
KSRTC Divisional Controller Rajesh Shetty said the sanctioned buses would significantly strengthen public transport in the city.
“Mangaluru has been sanctioned 100 electric buses. Bids have been invited for the charging points. Thereafter, tenders are likely to be called for the depot civil works, followed shortly by national-level tenders for the procurement of the buses,” he said.
Cleaner and sustainable public transport
The introduction of electric buses is expected to enhance public transport in Mangaluru while reducing emissions and operating costs.
The Prime Minister e-Bus Sewa Scheme aims to promote sustainable urban mobility by supporting cities in deploying electric buses and creating the necessary charging infrastructure.
With preparatory work progressing, Mangaluru is expected to join the growing list of Indian cities operating electric buses under the Central Government’s initiative, providing commuters with a cleaner and more environmentally friendly mode of transport.