Jammu and Srinagar are on track for a major leap in clean and modern public transport with the rollout of 200 new electric buses under the PM eBus Sewa Scheme. With strong support from the Central Government, the Prime Minister, MoHUA and the Jammu & Kashmir administration, the initiative stands to reshape daily mobility for lakhs of people and position the Union Territory among the leading regions in sustainable urban transport.
Ashish Anand, Senior General Manager at Jammu Smart City Limited and Nodal Officer for the J&K eBus Projects, welcomed the expansion and said:
“This initiative gives both cities an opportunity to deliver public transport that is clean, dependable and equitable. People across Jammu and Kashmir will see real benefits in their daily lives, from easier mobility to better air quality and more economic opportunities.”
He added that continuous support from the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister, the Administrative Head of Housing & Urban Development Department and the leadership teams of both Smart Cities has kept the project moving forward. “Everyone is working with a shared goal of bringing J&K at par with national benchmarks and ensuring long-lasting benefits for our citizens,” he said.
200 Electric Buses to Transform Urban Mobility for Citizens
Under the scheme, 100 buses will be deployed in Jammu and another 100 in Srinagar.
Jammu:
• 25 twelve-metre buses
• 75 seven-metre buses
Srinagar:
• 20 twelve-metre buses
• 80 nine-metre buses
This upgrade will expand capacity, improve frequency and offer cleaner, quieter and safer services for everyday travel.
Connecting People to Opportunities
In Jammu, larger buses will cover long-distance routes like Samba, RS Pura, Akhnoor and Sundarbani, providing thousands of commuters with reliable daily access to jobs, colleges and essential services. Seven-metre buses will boost connectivity in the Old and Heritage City, making travel easier for residents, traders and tourists.
In Srinagar, the new fleet will strengthen routes such as Pantha Chowk, Lal Chowk, Hazratbal and Batamaloo. Commuters traveling for work, studies or healthcare will experience shorter waiting times and more comfortable journeys.
Together, the increased fleet will improve mobility for workers, students, women, elderly passengers and low-income families who rely on public transport every day.
Procurement Through National Tendering
The buses are being procured through a national tender managed by Convergence Energy Services Limited. A consortium led by PMI Electro Mobility has been selected for the twelve-metre and nine-metre categories, while the seven-metre category is being handled separately.
Modern Infrastructure Under GUMI
Both cities are upgrading transit infrastructure under the Green Urban Mobility Initiatives. These improvements will directly enhance the commuter experience:
• Dedicated bus lanes to reduce travel time
• Queue jumpers at busy intersections
• Modern Bus Queue Shelters with real-time information displays
• CCTV-linked safety systems
• Universal accessibility features for elderly and differently-abled passengers
• Better lighting, seating and weather protection
These enhancements will make public transport more organised, predictable and commuter-friendly.
Digital Integration for Seamless Travel
The new fleet will be integrated with the Intelligent Transit Management System and Automatic Fare Collection System. This will give passengers:
• QR-based ticketing
• NCMC-enabled smart cards
• Mobile app payments
• Live bus tracking and arrival information
These features will simplify travel, reduce waiting time and make the system more transparent and efficient.
Depots, Charging Infra and Power Support Approved
Both Smart Cities have received clearance for depot development, charging systems and supporting infrastructure. Behind-the-meter power upgrades have been sanctioned for execution by JPDCL and KPDCL, ensuring uninterrupted charging and efficient fleet operations.
Social Impact: Building a Stronger, More Connected J&K
Better Mobility for All
The improved fleet and infrastructure will help people travel more comfortably and reach workplaces, schools, medical facilities and markets with greater ease.
Boost to Local Economy
Reliable mobility helps businesses, trade, tourism and services grow. Electric buses will reduce transport barriers and support economic activity across the cities.
Employment Generation
The project will generate jobs in driving, maintenance, charging operations, depot management, customer support, IT systems and security services. It will also create indirect employment in logistics, repair, fabrication and operations.
Clean Transport for Healthier Cities
Electric buses will reduce noise and air pollution, especially in dense markets, heritage lanes and high-traffic corridors. Residents will benefit from cleaner air and a healthier urban environment.
Strengthening Circular and Green Economy
The shift toward electric mobility will accelerate growth in charging infrastructure, battery management, component recycling and local manufacturing support systems.
A New Chapter for Public Transport in J&K
With strong backing from the Central Government and committed efforts from both Smart Cities, the rollout of 200 electric buses marks a breakthrough moment for Jammu and Kashmir. The initiative will improve daily mobility, create new jobs, strengthen local economies and move J&K closer to national mobility standards.
It is not just a fleet expansion — it is a meaningful investment in people, cleaner cities and a more connected future for the Union Territory.
