Gandhinagar: The state capital is set to receive a dedicated electric city bus service this year. The Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) has initiated steps to modernise urban transport by inviting proposals for a Project Management Services Provider (PM-SP) to oversee the rollout of the city’s electric bus fleet.

The initiative is being implemented under the Government of India’s PM E-Bus Sewa Scheme and aims to establish a comprehensive, city-wide public transport system using eco-friendly electric buses. The project marks a significant development for Gujarat’s capital, which houses key institutions such as GIFT City, IIT Gandhinagar, the Assembly, and the Sachivalaya.

100 Electric Buses to Be Introduced in Phases

Under the PM E-Bus Sewa Scheme, GMC has been allotted 100 air-conditioned electric buses. The rollout will take place in two phases during 2026:

• Phase 1: 50 buses – Expected in early 2026

• Phase 2: 50 buses – Expected in mid to late 2026

The total fleet size may be increased by up to 30 per cent in the future, depending on operational requirements.

The buses are proposed to operate daily from 5:50 am to 11:30 pm. Services may be extended during festivals, special events, conferences, or major public gatherings.

Scope of Work for Selected Agency

The selected Project Management Services Provider will be responsible for supervisory and monitoring functions. The scope of work includes:

• Overall project management and operational monitoring

• Contract management and performance evaluation

• Revenue protection through on-ground field teams

• Implementation of an IT-enabled Concession Management System (CMS)

• Integration with:

  • Vehicle Tracking Systems (VTS)

  • Automatic Fare Collection Systems (AFCS)

• Development of dashboards, MIS reporting, and performance monitoring tools

• Hosting and maintenance of the IT platform

The agency will also ensure integration and unification of data related to routes, schedules, buses, drivers, conductors, depots, and bus stops across multiple IT systems.

Contract Period

The contract will be awarded for an initial period of five years, with a provision for extension of up to two additional years based on performance.

The selected agency will be required to deploy its Project Management Unit (PMU) at least two months prior to the commencement of bus operations.

Annual service charges will be revised in accordance with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Industrial Labour applicable to Gandhinagar.

Strengthening Public Transport in the Capital

GMC’s move is part of a broader effort to establish a modern, technology-driven, and environmentally sustainable public transport system in Gandhinagar. With electric buses, digital ticketing, vehicle tracking, and integrated IT monitoring systems, the city aims to improve commuter convenience, operational efficiency, and transparency. DeshGujarat