Nagpur: The public transport network of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is set to receive a significant boost as 75 new 41-seater electric buses will be inducted into the city’s Aapli Bus fleet on Wednesday, April 8.
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According to officials, 25 of the newly arrived buses will be stationed at the Khapri depot, while the remaining 50 will operate from the Wathoda depot. With the addition of these buses, the total strength of the city’s fleet will rise to 628 buses, serving commuters across 110 routes in Nagpur.
The induction of the 12-metre electric buses marks another step in the city’s gradual transition towards sustainable urban mobility. Earlier, the fleet had already integrated 100 electric buses, and the latest rollout represents further progress in fulfilling the city’s larger order of 250 electric buses aimed at modernising public transport services. After this phase, 75 buses from the order are still expected to be delivered.
A senior transport officer stated that the new buses have been strategically planned to cater to high-density passenger routes. The 41-seater models are designed for busy corridors and can accommodate an additional 24 standing passengers, thereby increasing overall carrying capacity during peak hours.
Infrastructure challenges at depots
Despite the milestone, the project has faced delays due to incomplete charging infrastructure at the Khapri and Wathoda depots. An administrative officer revealed that the primary bottleneck was related to pending electricity line installations and unfinished depot infrastructure required for charging operations.
To avoid keeping the vehicles idle without charging facilities, the administration had temporarily slowed down further deliveries. “The decision was taken to ensure the buses are not left exposed and unused without proper infrastructure,” the official said. However, with the scheduled rollout, authorities indicated that the remaining electrical and infrastructure issues are being addressed to make the new buses operational without delay.
Push for greener transport
The induction of electric buses forms part of a broader initiative backed by the Government of Maharashtra and supported through funding from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat to reduce the city’s carbon footprint. The programme aims to modernise Nagpur’s public transport system while promoting cleaner mobility solutions.
Officials said that once the electric fleet is fully operational, the city is likely to gradually phase out its ageing fleet of around 195 diesel buses. The move is expected to contribute to lower emissions and help steer Nagpur towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly public transport system.
