India's Vision for Affordable and Eco-Friendly Mobility

The Government of India is making continuous efforts to promote sustainable transportation. Electric vehicles and green technology will not only reduce pollution but also expand affordable and efficient public transportation facilities in the country. In this interview, Bhanu Pratap Singh Bhadoria, Director (Urban Transport), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA), sheds light on various government initiatives and schemes in this direction.

What steps is the government taking to promote green transportation and technology?

Bhanu Pratap Singh Bhadoria: The Government of India is focusing heavily on green transportation and technology. Under the FAME-I and FAME-II schemes, the government has provided capital subsidies to promote electric vehicles, buses, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers.

Additionally, on August 16, 2023, the Government of India launched a new scheme called the PM E-Bus Seva Scheme. This scheme adopts the OPEX model, where operators purchase buses, maintain them, and provide drivers under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Operators are paid on a per-kilometre basis, and the government provides a per-kilometre subsidy, making this scheme more efficient.

Moreover, we are supporting the development of electric infrastructure. Cities require power connections and civil depots, and there is significant emphasis on green technology. Starting next year, under the PM E-Bus Seva Scheme, buses will be operational in small cities (with populations of 3–40 lakhs as per the 2011 census), increasing public transportation in these areas.

What is the government doing to make EVs affordable?

Bhanu Pratap Singh Bhadoria: To make EVs affordable, the government has adopted the aggregate model, which helps reduce costs. In the past, aggregation tenders were issued, and our public sector company CESL (Convergence Energy Services Limited) organized grant challenges and NABP tenders.

Under the PM E-Bus Seva Scheme, we aggregate demand from cities and issue tenders, which reduces the cost of gross cost contracts (GCC). This approach lowers public transportation costs while promoting green transportation.

What are your thoughts on the future of green technology?

Bhanu Pratap Singh Bhadoria: Green technology is the path to the future. It will not only reduce pollution but also make our cities more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Government schemes and initiatives are laying a strong foundation for a greener and more sustainable future for the country.

Conclusion

The Government of India’s efforts are revolutionising green transportation and technology. From the FAME schemes to the PM E-Bus Seva, these initiatives are playing a crucial role in providing clean, affordable, and sustainable transportation. The advancement of green technology is proving beneficial for both the environment and the economy.