Massive Deployment Under PM E-Drive Initiative Accelerates Sustainable Public Transport Shift
In a major boost to sustainable urban mobility, Olectra Greentech Ltd has secured a Letter of Intent (LoI) for 1,085 electric buses from the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) to bolster Hyderabad’s public transport network under the government’s PM E-DRIVE initiative led by Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL).
The order one of the largest of its kind in India’s electric mobility sector underscores both Hyderabad’s commitment to green public transport and Olectra’s leadership in the electric bus segment, as the city accelerates efforts to reduce emissions and improve commuter experience.
A New Chapter in Sustainable Urban Mobility
The LoI issued by the TGSRTC via Evey Trans Pvt. Ltd. marks a significant expansion of Hyderabad’s electric bus fleet, furthering the development of a clean, efficient, and sustainable public transport ecosystem. All 1,085 buses will be deployed across the city’s intra-city routes, reinforcing service capacity and offering commuters a greener alternative to traditional diesel buses.
This order is part of the PM E-DRIVE programme, a central government initiative implemented by CESL to accelerate electric bus adoption in cities nationwide through large-scale procurement and fleet deployment.
Bus Specifications and Deployment Plans
Under the agreement, the buses supplied will be 12-metre low-floor electric models available in both air-conditioned (AC) and non-AC configurations with 1,025 non-AC and 60 AC buses designed to meet the rigorous demands of urban routes and traffic conditions.
These buses will be built to withstand Indian road conditions, featuring front and rear air suspension systems for enhanced ride comfort and safety on densely trafficked urban routes.
Powered by high-capacity lithium-ion battery packs, the buses offer a range of more than 250 km on a single charge and are compatible with opportunity charging enabling quick recharging in about 45 minutes to support high-frequency service cycles without compromising efficiency.
Importantly, the design also incorporates dedicated wheelchair spaces, promoting inclusive mobility for people with disabilities and senior citizens as Hyderabad expands access to modern and equitable public transport services.
Strengthening Olectra’s Market Leadership
The order from TGSRTC reinforces Olectra Greentech’s position as India’s leading electric commercial vehicle manufacturer a role the Hyderabad-based firm has held consistently, both in terms of annual market share and deployment numbers. To date, Olectra has deployed over 3,600 electric vehicles nationwide and maintains an order book exceeding 10,000 units.
In statements accompanying the announcement, Olectra’s Managing Director Mahesh Babu described the LoI as a “defining moment” in the company’s journey toward powering India’s electric mobility transition, and a testament to its commitment to the Make in India vision and high-quality indigenous manufacturing.
He highlighted Hyderabad not only as a strategic market but also as a symbol of innovation and urban transformation, signalling Olectra’s dedication to delivering efficient, comfortable, and sustainable public transportation solutions that align with national clean-energy and net-zero goals.
Economic and Strategic Impact
Beyond environmental benefits, the order carries substantial economic implications for the region. The fleet’s induction will expand public transport capacity, reduce operating costs associated with fossil fuels, and contribute meaningfully to lowering overall emissions from the city’s transport sector.
Hyderabad’s commitment to expanding its electric bus fleet mirrors a broader national push toward electrification of commercial transport a key strategy in India’s plans to achieve decarbonisation and improve urban air quality.
Scaling Electric Public Transit Nationwide
The PM E-DRIVE initiative, under which this LoI was issued, stands as a pivotal programme aimed at accelerating electric bus acquisitions across Indian cities by aggregating demand and facilitating procurement. By leveraging the initiative’s framework, state transport corporations can access scalable financing, structured procurement mechanisms, and operational support factors critical to widespread EV adoption in the public sector.
Large-scale orders such as this one in Hyderabad are expected to inspire other cities to follow suit, further consolidating India’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for electric buses.
Future Outlook and Concluding Notes
With the formal order set to translate into actual deliveries over the coming months, Olectra and TGSRTC are preparing for a comprehensive rollout that will significantly enhance Hyderabad’s green transport infrastructure. The deployment of these electric buses is expected to begin soon, bringing sustainable, efficient mobility to millions of daily commuters.
This initiative highlights the accelerating pace of EV adoption in India’s public transport sector and serves as a model for low-emission transit transformation in cities nationwide a crucial step in achieving climate targets and fostering a cleaner, healthier urban environment.
