Copyright thehindu
In a significant step towards India’s electric mobility revolution, Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), has received an enthusiastic response to its mega tender for 10,900 electric buses under the PM e-Bus Sewa Programme. The tender, which includes a major allocation of 2,000 e-buses for Hyderabad, aims to strengthen the country’s public transport system and reduce urban emissions. The deadline for bidding on the country’s largest electric bus tender under the PM E-DRIVE scheme has been extended for the second time due to concerns raised by companies and States regarding the lack of charging infrastructure. The last date for submission of bids was originally August 12, which was deferred till October 14 and now it was extended to November 6. “The extended bid deadline allows adequate time for readiness, infrastructure planning and financial structuring,” said a company statement. The successful bidder will be allotted depots and will create charging infrastructure. Other major cities benefiting from this initiative include Delhi (2,800 e-buses), Bengaluru (4,500), Ahmedabad (1,000) and Surat (600). The government’s push for electric mobility has gained significant momentum, with CESL playing a crucial role in aggregating demand, standardizing procurement and accelerating the rollout of e-buses nationwide. This initiative is expected to reduce India’s carbon footprint, modernize public transport networks and provide a cleaner, quieter and more cost-efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based vehicles. Since 2022, CESL has emerged as a leading public-sector body in large-scale electric bus tendering and contracting, awarding 17,838 electric buses under various national programmes. The demand aggregation model enables standardization of specifications, significantly reducing overall costs. The PM e-Bus Sewa Programme is a significant step towards achieving India’s Net Zero Emissions target by 2070.
