Tender for e-buses under PM E-DRIVE deferred again to Novemb...

Tender for e-buses under PM E-DRIVE deferred again to November 6

The bidding for country’s largest electric bus (e-bus) tender by the Centre, under Prime Minister Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme, has been extended for the second time due to concerns of the companies and States on lack of charging infrastructure. Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) and the Centre’s nominated agency for the aggregation and procurement of e-buses, is set to open bids for its most ambitious tender of 10,900 electric buses on November 6. The last date for submission of bids was originally August 12, which was deferred till October 14 and now it will be November 6. “CESL has successfully addressed a large number of pre-bid queries raised by potential bidders, ensuring complete transparency and readiness for the final bid opening. This tender marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward achieving sustainable and zero-emission public transport systems under the National Electric Bus Programme (NEBP),” the agency said in a statement. This mega tender encompasses multiple cities and Union Territories, including Hyderabad, Surat, Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Bengaluru, covering both AC and non-AC buses across various categories such as Standard Floor, Low Floor, and BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) models. According to the tender’s scope, Hyderabad will receive around 2,000 buses across two lots, Surat and Ahmedabad will together add another 1,600 buses, Delhi is set to induct 2,800 buses, and Bengaluru will see the largest allocation of 4,500 buses under this programme. Each city’s deployment plan has been carefully structured to meet its specific urban mobility requirements and commuter density patterns, CESL said. “The deployment of 10,900 e-buses will revolutionise the way our cities move, making mass transport cleaner, quieter, and more efficient. CESL remains committed to accelerating India’s transition to electric mobility through transparent processes, innovative financing models, and partnerships with public and private stakeholders,” a CESL spokesperson said. Published on October 25, 2025

Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) and the Centre’s nominated agency for the aggregation and procurement of e-buses, is set to open bids for its most ambitious tender of 10,900 electric buses on November 6.

The last date for submission of bids was originally August 12, which was deferred till October 14 and now it will be November 6.

“CESL has successfully addressed a large number of pre-bid queries raised by potential bidders, ensuring complete transparency and readiness for the final bid opening. This tender marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward achieving sustainable and zero-emission public transport systems under the National Electric Bus Programme (NEBP),” the agency said in a statement.

This mega tender encompasses multiple cities and Union Territories, including Hyderabad, Surat, Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Bengaluru, covering both AC and non-AC buses across various categories such as Standard Floor, Low Floor, and BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) models.

According to the tender’s scope, Hyderabad will receive around 2,000 buses across two lots, Surat and Ahmedabad will together add another 1,600 buses, Delhi is set to induct 2,800 buses, and Bengaluru will see the largest allocation of 4,500 buses under this programme.

Each city’s deployment plan has been carefully structured to meet its specific urban mobility requirements and commuter density patterns, CESL said.

“The deployment of 10,900 e-buses will revolutionise the way our cities move, making mass transport cleaner, quieter, and more efficient. CESL remains committed to accelerating India’s transition to electric mobility through transparent processes, innovative financing models, and partnerships with public and private stakeholders,” a CESL spokesperson said.

Published on October 25, 2025