Ministry of Earth Sciences Hosts National Media Interaction on 'Mission Mausam' The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) held a national-level media interaction on the ambitious Mission Mausam at Prithvi Bhavan, New Delhi. The session was led by Dr. M Ravichandran, Secretary of MoES, alongside Dr. Mritunjay Mohapatra, Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), and Dr. V.S. Prasad, Head of the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF). Approved by the Union Cabinet on September 11, 2024, with a budget of ₹2,000 crores over two years, Mission Mausam aims to transform India into a "Weather-Ready" and "Climate-Smart" nation. The mission focuses on advancing the country's weather and climate observation, modeling, and forecasting capabilities, to provide more accurate and timely services. Key Objectives of Mission Mausam: Develop Cutting-Edge Technologies: Introduce next-generation radars, satellites with advanced instr...
Government Approves PM-eBus Sewa and PSM Scheme for e-Bus Acquisition by Public Transport Authorities
Rollout of Over 38,000 E-Buses: A Major Step Toward a Greener India
In a landmark move towards sustainable urban transport and a cleaner environment, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the PM-eBus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) scheme. This initiative, with an outlay of Rs. 3,435 crore, aims to deploy over 38,000 electric buses (e-buses) across India from FY 2024-25 to FY 2028-29, marking a crucial milestone in the country’s journey toward Atmanirbhar Bharat.
A Cleaner, Greener Future
The introduction of these Made-in-India e-buses is set to revolutionize public transport by replacing polluting diesel and CNG-powered buses with environmentally friendly alternatives. E-buses produce zero tailpipe emissions and have lower operational costs, making them an ideal solution for reducing the carbon footprint in cities and improving air quality. This transition will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and curb the country’s dependence on fossil fuels, aligning with India’s climate goals and commitment to sustainability.
Tackling Cost Barriers with Innovation
One of the key challenges for Public Transport Authorities (PTAs) in adopting e-buses has been the high upfront cost and the uncertainty around revenue from operations. To tackle this, the PM-eBus Sewa scheme enables PTAs to procure these buses under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model known as the Gross Cost Contract (GCC). Under this model, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or private operators will procure and operate the e-buses, while PTAs will make regular monthly payments.
However, the private sector has been hesitant to participate due to fears of payment defaults. The Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) addresses this concern by setting up a dedicated fund managed by Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), which will ensure that payments to OEMs/operators are made on time. In case of default by PTAs, CESL will cover the payments, recouping the funds from the respective PTAs or state/UT governments later.
Boosting Private Sector Participation and Reducing Pollution
By mitigating the financial risks for OEMs and operators, the scheme will stimulate private sector participation in the e-bus market, leading to faster adoption of electric vehicles across the country. This will be a crucial step in reducing the environmental impact of public transport while also lowering fuel costs and enhancing energy security.
Benefits Across States and UTs
The PM-eBus Sewa scheme will benefit PTAs across all states and union territories that opt into the program. The initiative not only aligns with the broader goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat by supporting local manufacturing but also contributes to a sustainable public transport system, making cities cleaner and more livable for future generations.
By providing a reliable, eco-friendly, and efficient public transport option, India is paving the way for a greener tomorrow, where urban mobility and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
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