Uttar Pradesh's Bold Leap into Electric Mobility: A Vision for 2030

In a bold move towards a greener future, Uttar Pradesh is set to transform its public transport landscape with the integration of 8,000 electric buses by 2030. The state's ambitious Electric Vehicle Mobility Management (EVMM) Policy, launched in 2022, outlines a comprehensive plan to bolster the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and infrastructure.

Dr. Rajender Pensiya, IAS, Former Special Secretary of the Urban Development Department and Director of Urban Transport, recently shared his insights about this transformative initiative. The policy, as Dr. Pensiya explained, aims to provide substantial financial support for electric vehicles. Under the scheme, 400 electric vehicles are eligible for a subsidy of Rs. 20 lakh each, with institutions allowed to claim subsidies for up to five vehicles.

A significant component of the EVMM Policy is the enhancement of public transport. Currently, Uttar Pradesh has 740 electric buses. The government plans to expand this fleet to 2,740 buses by leveraging the PM e-Bus Sewa initiative. Pending approval from the Public Service Management (PSM), an additional 2,000 electric buses are set to be acquired. The state also aims to establish around 340 charging stations, with tenders already issued for one station and plans to issue further tenders post-Election Commission’s code of conduct.

By June, the state will introduce around 500 electric autos in seven cities, with Ayodhya already receiving its share. The remaining cities will follow suit by the end of June. In addition to autos, the government is exploring the potential of e-bikes, with a feasibility study by the World Resources Institute (WRI) underway.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. The high cost of EV technology poses a barrier to widespread adoption. To counter this, the Uttar Pradesh government is prioritizing public awareness about the benefits of EVs, particularly their environmental impact. Modifications to the public transport system include an E-pass facility linked with the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) and a monthly pass for unlimited bus travel, aimed at frequent commuters. Furthermore, public representatives and officers are encouraged to use electric vehicles to set an example and influence public behavior.

Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models are also a crucial aspect of the state's strategy. The PM e-Bus service is a key initiative, involving the introduction of electric buses to 17 municipal councils and the construction of necessary bus depots and power infrastructure. The Industry Department is spearheading investment efforts to align infrastructure development with the expanding EV ecosystem.

Looking ahead, Uttar Pradesh envisions a substantial shift towards electric mobility. By 2030, the state aims to replace a significant portion of its CNG and diesel buses with electric ones. The phased plan will ensure that by next year, the first phase of this ambitious project will commence, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable public transport system.

As Uttar Pradesh gears up for this green revolution, the integration of 8,000 electric buses represents not just a commitment to reducing pollution but a transformative step towards a more sustainable future.