Hyderabad: In a major step towards strengthening green public transport infrastructure, the Centre-led Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) will procure electric buses for Telangana under a nationwide clean mobility initiative. The move is part of a larger plan to expand electric bus deployment across multiple states and cities, including Hyderabad, under the government’s flagship clean energy transportation programmes.
According to officials, CESL, a subsidiary of the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) under the Ministry of Power, has floated large-scale tenders for the procurement of thousands of electric buses across India. The initiative is being implemented under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme, which aims to introduce 10,000 electric buses in phases across urban and semi-urban regions.
The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) is expected to benefit significantly from this push, with 151 electric buses allocated for the state. These will be deployed across key cities including Warangal (100 buses) and Nizamabad (51 buses), aimed at improving last-mile connectivity and reducing dependence on diesel-powered public transport.
Officials said that the broader CESL tender covers 3,604 electric buses for 45 tier-2 and tier-3 cities across 17 states, reflecting the Centre’s push to decentralise clean mobility solutions beyond major metropolitan hubs. The initiative is also expected to help modernise state transport undertakings, including TGSRTC, by integrating cleaner and more energy-efficient fleets.
Hyderabad among key focus cities in national EV push
Hyderabad continues to be a major focus area in India’s electric mobility transition. Under the same programme, large allocations are being planned for major cities across the country, including 2,200 buses for Hyderabad, 4,500 for Bengaluru, 1,500 for Mumbai, 1,000 for Pune, and 2,800 for Delhi, highlighting the scale of the national rollout.
Officials noted that tenders have already been issued for 13,800 out of 14,028 sanctioned buses, marking significant progress in implementation. The CESL-led model is designed to ensure standardised procurement, competitive pricing, and long-term operational efficiency across participating states.
A senior CESL official said the initiative is expected to play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and modernising urban transport systems. The programme is projected to cut over five million tonnes of CO₂ emissions, while also improving air quality and reducing noise pollution in densely populated cities.
Push for sustainable and cost-efficient public transport
The electric buses under the scheme will include both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned variants, designed in multiple formats such as low-floor, standard-floor, and BRT models, ensuring adaptability to different city transport needs. These vehicles will replace older diesel fleets and help transport corporations like TGSRTC transition towards cleaner operations.
Officials highlighted that the initiative will not only support environmental goals but also improve operational efficiency for state transport agencies. The adoption of electric buses is expected to reduce fuel costs and maintenance burdens in the long term while offering a smoother and quieter commuting experience for passengers.
Part of India’s larger clean mobility mission
The CESL initiative forms a key component of the national push under programmes such as PM e-Bus Sewa and PM E-DRIVE, both aimed at accelerating the electrification of public transport in India. Telangana, along with several other states, is expected to be a major beneficiary of this transition.
With growing investments in EV infrastructure and fleet modernisation, the state’s transport sector is set to undergo a significant transformation in the coming years. The deployment of electric buses is also expected to align with Telangana’s broader goals of reducing urban pollution and building a sustainable mobility ecosystem.
