Public transport in Jammu and Srinagar is set for a major upgrade as both cities prepare to induct 200 new electric buses under the PM eBus Sewa Scheme. Supported by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the initiative aims to expand zero-emission mobility across the two smart cities while offering commuters faster, cleaner and more dependable travel options.

A Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL) official said that both JSCL and Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) will add 100 electric buses each. The new fleet for Jammu will comprise 25 twelve-metre and 75 seven-metre buses, while Srinagar will receive 20 twelve-metre and 80 nine-metre buses.

“This expansion builds on the FAME-II electric buses already operating in both cities,” said Ashish Anand, Senior General Manager of JSCL and Nodal Officer for the Jammu & Kashmir e-Bus Project. The FAME-II scheme, under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, provides subsidies to promote electric buses for urban transport.

In Jammu, the larger twelve-metre buses will operate on high-demand corridors such as Samba, RS Pura, Akhnoor and Sunderbani, while the compact seven-metre buses will serve the narrow streets of the Old and Heritage City. Srinagar’s mix of twelve-metre and nine-metre buses will reinforce busy routes including Pantha Chowk, Lal Chowk, Hazratbal and Batamaloo.

Anand said the increased fleet size will help reduce overcrowding, improve punctuality and meet rising commuter demand during peak hours. Procurement is being handled through a national tender issued by Convergence Energy Services Limited. A consortium led by PMI Electro Mobility, with Progressive Autoserve Private Limited and Urban Paribahan Services Private Limited, has been selected for supplying the twelve-metre and nine-metre buses. Procurement of the seven-metre fleet is under way.

Both cities are also implementing infrastructure upgrades under the Green Urban Mobility Initiatives. These include dedicated bus lanes, queue-jumpers at intersections and improved passenger facilities. Bus shelters are being redesigned under the Smart City Mission with features such as real-time information displays, route maps, CCTV surveillance, panic buttons, enhanced lighting, seating, ramps and tactile paving.

To improve the passenger experience, the new buses will be fully integrated with the Intelligent Transit Management System (ITMS) and Automatic Fare Collection System. Commuters will be able to use QR-based tickets, NCMC-enabled smart cards and mobile payments, while mobile apps and LED displays will provide real-time bus tracking and arrival times.

Anand said these digital systems will help city authorities plan routes more efficiently, adjust services based on demand and monitor fleet performance. Detailed Project Reports for new depots, opportunity-charging stations and administrative facilities have been cleared by both the Central Sanctioning and Screening Committee and the UT-level committee. Behind-the-meter power infrastructure has also been approved, with JPDCL and KPDCL responsible for implementation.

The expansion is expected to deliver significant social benefits, offering safer and more reliable access to schools, hospitals, markets and workplaces. Women, senior citizens and low-income commuters will benefit most from better frequency and wider coverage. Electric buses will also reduce pollution in congested areas, contributing to cleaner air and long-term environmental sustainability.

The project is further expected to create employment opportunities for drivers, conductors, mechanics, depot staff and IT support teams. Growth in electric mobility is also likely to stimulate local businesses involved in charging infrastructure, repair services, battery management and component recycling, strengthening the region’s emerging green economy.