Search

    Language Settings
    Select Website Language

    GDPR Compliance

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

    Maharashtra Surpasses Delhi as India’s Leading Electric Bus Market in 2025

    5 days ago

    Maharashtra has overtaken Delhi to become India’s top electric bus (e-bus) market in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition toward greener public transport. According to the central government’s Vahan portal, which tracks vehicle registrations, Maharashtra registered 1,442 e-buses last year, surpassing Delhi’s 1,382 units.

    The surge in Maharashtra’s e-bus sales highlights the growing momentum of India’s emission-free public transport segment. Nationwide, e-bus sales rose to approximately 4,400 units in 2025, up from around 3,600 units in 2024, encompassing both state-run and privately operated fleets.

    Shift in Market Leadership

    In 2024, Delhi led the e-bus market with 1,036 units, while Maharashtra was second with 880 buses. This shift reflects Maharashtra’s intensified push toward electrification of public transportation, driven by state policies, proactive procurement by transport agencies, and central government incentives.

    Other states displayed mixed performance. Tamil Nadu witnessed a dramatic increase, from just 5 units in 2024 to nearly 400 in 2025. Conversely, Karnataka and Gujarat experienced a decline, with Karnataka registering 445 e-buses compared to over 800 the previous year, and Gujarat dropping from 329 units to just 116 buses.

    Government Incentives Fuel Growth

    The growth in India’s e-bus market is largely credited to strong policy support at the central level. Schemes such as the ₹10,900-crore PM E-Drive programme, the ₹25,938-crore PLI-Auto scheme, and the PM e-Bus Sewa initiative have significantly reduced upfront costs for operators, facilitated large-scale aggregated procurement, and improved the financial viability of electric buses.

    Amit Bhatt, India Managing Director of the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), noted, “The surge in annual e-bus sales is a direct outcome of sustained government support. These initiatives have enabled public transport undertakings to expand fleets while reducing emissions.”

    Comparative Global Perspective

    While India’s e-bus market is growing, it still lags behind global leaders. According to a 2025 report by the World Resources Institute (WRI), China achieved a 10% e-bus penetration in 2014, which soared above 40% by 2016. Shenzhen became the first city globally to electrify its entire bus fleet of 16,000 buses by 2017.

    In India, e-bus penetration remains at around 6.5% of total bus sales, with diesel buses still dominating the market. In 2025, roughly 66,000 diesel buses were sold, compared to 4,400 e-buses. The government aims to boost this share in alignment with India’s net-zero emission target by 2070, as vehicular emissions remain a major contributor to greenhouse gases and urban air pollution.

    Next Phase: Private Sector Adoption

    Experts stress that the next frontier for e-bus adoption in India lies in the private sector, which operates the majority of buses nationwide. Currently, public transport agencies account for only 8–9% of the total bus market. Expanding electrification to intercity transport, employee mobility services, and school buses is critical to achieve larger-scale emission reduction.

    The central government is reportedly working on schemes to make e-bus financing more accessible for private operators, aiming to overcome the upfront cost barrier that has hindered widespread adoption.

    Outlook

     

    With increasing state-level initiatives, central government incentives, and growing environmental awareness, India’s e-bus market is poised for robust growth in the coming years. Maharashtra’s rise as the largest e-bus market underscores the potential of coordinated policy action, financial support, and public-private collaboration in accelerating India’s clean mobility transition.

    Click here to Read More
    Previous Article
    Indian Stock Markets Extend Losses for Second Consecutive Day; Sensex Drops 245 Points
    Next Article
    Over 30% of Aravalli Range at Risk, Conservationists Call for Full Protection

    Related National Updates:

    Are you sure? You want to delete this comment..! Remove Cancel

    Comments (0)

      Leave a comment