Mon Feb 10 10:48:30 UTC 2025: ## Puducherry Aims for 100% Electric Bus Fleet by Year-End
**Puducherry, February 10, 2025** – The Puducherry Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) has announced an ambitious plan to fully electrify its bus fleet by the end of the year, marking a significant step towards sustainable public transportation. This initiative is part of the government’s larger push to transition to electric vehicles.
The plan involves procuring 75 electric buses through the Central government’s PM e-bus Seva scheme, with a detailed project report already submitted. The buses, a mix of 12-meter and 9-meter models, will operate on urban and intra-state routes. Funding will be secured through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with central assistance covering operational costs, depot infrastructure, and behind-the-meter infrastructure. The Puducherry government will cover the remaining costs.
The PRTC currently operates 139 buses. An initial order for 25 electric buses, funded by a ₹23 crore Smart Cities scheme grant, is already underway, with prototypes expected by the end of February. This transition is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.
The government will implement a Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) to ensure timely payments to e-bus operators and hold them accountable for vehicle maintenance and operational efficiency. The scheme also includes provisions for developing depot infrastructure and enhancing charging infrastructure. The Transport Commissioner, A.S. Sivakumar, stated that the government’s vision is to extend this electrification beyond the Puducherry region to outlying areas subsequently.
First Piper 