Nagpur, India: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is speeding up the introduction of electric buses, with 25 new e-buses expected to arrive in the city by next month.

The initiative aims to replace the polluting diesel buses, contributing to improving air quality in the state’s second capital.

The NMC has completed the tender process to buy 250 electric buses, using funds allocated by the then Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis.

A sum of Rs 137 crore has been allocated to the civic body to transition to electric buses, with two new depots being built one at Wathoda and the other at Khapri.

The NMC has signed an agreement with Eka Mobility, a Pune based company, to supply 250 electric buses over the next 10 months.

NMC had earlier procured over 200 electric buses with funds released under a Central Government scheme as part of the N-Cap program, which aims to phase out polluting vehicles from the public transport fleet.

Almost 60 percent of the work at the two new e-bus depots has been completed. These depots will accommodate the new buses to be delivered in the coming year.

Additionally, charging and maintenance depots are already operational at Koradi, Wadi, and Lakadganj, with the possibility of expanding their capacity if required, according to transport department officials.

The major challenge faced by NMC officials was obtaining the 11 KV line from MHATRANSCO, which caused delays in the work, particularly at Wadi.

According to new regulations, vehicles used in government departments must be phased out after 15 years of service.

The diesel and CNG buses in the NMC fleet are approaching the end of their lifespan, creating a need to introduce electric buses urgently to prevent a shortage in the public transport system.