Shillong, June 9: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday flagged off the state's first fleet of electric buses under the Prime Minister e-Bus Sewa Scheme, marking a significant step towards sustainable, modern and reliable public transportation in Meghalaya.
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| Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma flags off the state's first electric buses under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme in Shillong on Tuesday. (Image:facebook.com/conradksangma) |
The flag-off ceremony was held at the Taragar State Guest House in Shillong, where three electric buses were formally launched. The Chief Minister announced that an additional 47 buses will be introduced soon, creating a robust public transport network across Shillong and its peripheral areas.
The PM e-Bus Sewa initiative will bring a total fleet of 55 electric buses to Meghalaya, including 25 buses measuring 9 metres with a seating capacity of 27 passengers and 30 buses measuring 7 metres with 22 seats each. The buses are designed with wheelchair accessibility features to ensure inclusive mobility for all sections of society. Each bus is capable of travelling more than 150 kilometres on a single charge.
Speaking on the occasion, Sangma said the launch represents a major transformation in the way public transportation services will be operated in the state. Unlike conventional models where operators depend on ticket sales for revenue, the new system will provide operators with a guaranteed payment from the government, ensuring that services remain regular, reliable and punctual.
He explained that buses would run on fixed schedules regardless of passenger numbers, allowing commuters to know exactly when the next bus will arrive. According to him, the model is aimed at improving public confidence in the transport system and encouraging greater use of public transport.
The Chief Minister also used the occasion to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) among citizens. He highlighted that electric vehicles currently attract zero registration fees and taxes in Meghalaya, with the government set to renew the policy shortly.
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Addressing concerns about the suitability of EVs in hilly regions, Sangma said electric vehicles perform efficiently in hill stations, noting that regenerative braking helps recharge batteries while travelling downhill. He also clarified that EVs can be conveniently charged at home and do not necessarily require dedicated charging stations.
The electric buses are owned by the government under the centrally sponsored scheme, while operations will be managed by a private vendor selected through a transparent process. Although passengers will pay fares, the vendor's earnings will primarily come from a government-guaranteed payment mechanism rather than ticket sales.
In addition to the bus fleet, a dedicated e-bus depot is being developed at Umsawli in New Shillong under the scheme, strengthening the state's green urban transport infrastructure.
Sangma expressed confidence that the introduction of electric buses and wider adoption of electric vehicles would contribute to cleaner, smarter and more efficient mobility across Meghalaya in the years ahead.
