Bhopal begins free electric bus trial under Prime Minister's E‑Bus Service

From Monday, July 26, Bhopal launched a passenger trial of electric buses under the central government's Prime Minister's E‑Bus Service scheme. The trial is fare‑free and will remain free until a formal inauguration scheduled for August 15.

The first phase deploys ten electric buses on two main routes, with Board Office Chauraha serving as the central hub. One route runs from Bairagadh Depot to Kolaar, passing Lalghati, Peer Gate, Motimazid, Kamla Park and New Market; the other runs from Depot Chauraha to Coach Factory via Board Office, Chetak Bridge, Subhash Nagar, Prabhat Chauraha and Ashoka Garden.

Officials aim to operate 100 electric buses on ten city routes by the end of 2026. Twenty‑one buses have already arrived, and a modern charging depot has been built at Sant Hirdayaram Nagar. The buses feature digital ticketing, AI‑based passenger counting, CCTV, emergency buttons, LED information displays and wheelchair lifts for disabled passengers.