Vadodara: The city’s long-awaited electric bus service will begin soon, with the first batch of 42 buses expected later this month. Charging stations at Gotri and Sayajigunj are nearing completion, while another is planned at Makarpura. The Sayajigunj facility will replace the existing bus stand opposite the railway station and double as a charging hub.

Under the PMe-Bus Sewa scheme, the Centre has approved 250 e-buses for the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC). The tender for 100 buses is complete, and deliveries will begin in phases. More buses are expected within three months of the first lot.

The buses will be operated at Rs 65 per km — Rs 30 from the Centre, Rs 22 from the state, and Rs 13 borne by the VMC, which plans to recover its share through advertisements and rentals.

The current CNG bus service, operated by a private contractor with a fleet of 150 buses, around 130 of which run daily, will be phased out gradually once the electric fleet becomes operational. The current contractor has sought termination of its contract, which has been extended multiple times since 2023.

The VMC also plans to extend services to Padra, Savli, Waghodiya Road and Por once more buses are inducted. DeshGujarat