Uttar Pradesh to roll out 1,725 electric buses across 18 cities

The Uttar Pradesh administration has announced plans to introduce 1,725 electric buses across 18 cities through a public-private partnership framework. Under the arrangement, private operators will procure, maintain, and operate the bus fleet under 12-year contractual agreements with the state government.

The state will provide financial support of ₹35 lakh to ₹40 lakh per bus to offset procurement costs, alongside free land for establishing and maintaining depot facilities. This subsidy structure is designed to make the transition to electric public transport economically viable for private operators while ensuring affordability for commuters.

The government-to-corporation-to-consumer (GCC) model transfers operational responsibility to private entities while maintaining state oversight through contractual terms. This approach aims to modernise urban mobility infrastructure in the state's tier-1 and tier-2 cities, addressing both congestion and air quality concerns.

The deployment of electric buses aligns with India's national push toward sustainable urban transport and reduced carbon emissions. The initiative is expected to enhance last-mile connectivity and provide environmentally friendly commuting options for residents across the participating cities.