SRINAGAR: Jammu is set to receive 100 additional electric buses under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme, with a Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs team reviewing the progress of a dedicated depot being constructed at Bhagwati Nagar to support the expanded fleet.
The proposed fleet will comprise 25 twelve-metre buses and 75 seven-metre buses, catering to routes with varying passenger demand and road conditions across the city.
A team led by Bhanu Pratap Singh Bhadoria, Director, Urban Transport, Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), visited the under-construction depot on Saturday to assess the progress of infrastructure development and arrangements for expanding Jammu’s electric public transport network.
The team also included Divya Jain, State Representative, Programme Management Unit (PMU), PM-eBus Sewa. Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), and Chief Executive Officer, Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL), Ayushi Sudan, accompanied the visiting officials along with other JMC and JSCL officers.
During the visit, the team was briefed on the physical and financial progress of the depot and the infrastructure being developed to accommodate the additional buses.
The implementation arrangements for 25 twelve-metre buses have been taken forward through an agreement with PMI Electro Mobility Solutions Private Limited. Meanwhile, the procurement process for the remaining 75 seven-metre buses has progressed, with the Letter of Confirmation of Demand (LoCD) issued by Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL).
The Bhagwati Nagar depot is being developed by JSCL at an estimated cost of Rs 16.72 crore, comprising Rs 15.05 crore in Central assistance and Rs 1.67 crore as the Union Territory’s share.
The team also reviewed the supporting Behind-the-Meter (BTM) power infrastructure being developed by Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) to meet the electricity requirements of the depot and its charging facilities.
Officials were also briefed on the existing electric bus services in Jammu. The city currently operates 100 electric buses allocated under the FAME-II Scheme and managed by JSCL.
These buses provide public transport within Jammu and connect the city with adjoining destinations, including Kathua, Udhampur, Katra and Khour.
The existing fleet is equipped with passenger safety and convenience facilities, including CCTV cameras, emergency panic buttons, real-time vehicle tracking and passenger information systems.
Bhadoria expressed satisfaction over the physical progress of the Bhagwati Nagar depot and appreciated JSCL’s efforts in operating the existing fleet and strengthening public transport connectivity in Jammu.
