Daily Current Affairs : 17-August-2023

The Indian government’s recent approval of the ‘PM-eBus Sewa’ scheme is a significant step towards enhancing city bus operations across the country. The scheme aims to deploy 10,000 electric buses in various cities, fostering sustainable urban mobility and reducing environmental impacts. With a budget of ₹57,613 crores, this initiative holds key details and features that promise to revolutionize the public transportation system in India.

Key Details of the Scheme

Financial Allocation: A substantial investment of ₹57,613 crores has been allocated for the PM-eBus Sewa scheme. Out of this amount, ₹20,000 crores will be provided by the Central government, highlighting its commitment to the project’s success.

Scope of Deployment: The scheme targets the deployment of around 10,000 new electric buses across cities in India. The cities chosen for this scheme are those with a population of 3 lakhs and above, as per the census of 2011.

Public-Private Partnership: The city bus operations under this scheme will follow a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. This approach is expected to ensure effective management and operation of the bus services.

Long-Term Support: The scheme is designed to support city bus operations for a period of 10 years. This sustained support will contribute to the stability and reliability of the public transportation system.

Green Urban Mobility Initiatives: The initiative also includes a plan to upgrade infrastructure in 181 cities under the Green Urban Mobility Initiatives. This move aligns with the government’s commitment to creating environmentally friendly transportation options.

Key Features of the Scheme

Inclusive Reach: The scheme focuses on reaching cities with a population of three lakhs and above, encompassing capital cities of Union Territories, North Eastern Region, and Hill States. Additionally, priority will be given to cities lacking organized bus services, ensuring that even underserved areas benefit from the initiative.

Employment Generation: A significant outcome of the scheme is the generation of 45,000 to 55,000 direct jobs. As the deployment of around 10,000 electric buses necessitates an extensive workforce, this is expected to contribute to job creation.

Two Segments of the Scheme: The PM-eBus Sewa scheme comprises two segments:

  • Segment A – Augmenting City Bus Services: This segment will focus on enhancing city bus operations by deploying 10,000 e-buses through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. It will also include infrastructure development and upgrading depot facilities.
  • Segment B – Green Urban Mobility Initiatives (GUMI): This segment emphasizes green initiatives such as bus priority, multimodal interchange facilities, and charging infrastructure. This holistic approach is essential for creating an efficient and environmentally friendly transportation network.

Operation and Support: States and cities will have the responsibility of operating the bus services and making payments to the bus operators. The Central Government will provide subsidies as outlined in the scheme to support these operations.

Boosting E-Mobility: The scheme’s central goal is to promote e-mobility. By providing comprehensive support for behind-the-meter power infrastructure, the initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and build a robust supply chain for them.

Environmental Benefits: The transition to electric mobility is expected to significantly reduce noise and air pollution, as well as carbon emissions. The shift towards bus-based public transportation will contribute to greenhouse gas reduction, making cities cleaner and more sustainable.

Important Points:

Key Details:

  • Budget of ₹57,613 crores allocated.
  • Deployment of 10,000 electric buses across cities.
  • Central government contributes ₹20,000 crores.
  • Targeting cities with 3 lakhs+ population.
  • City bus operations on Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
  • Support for bus operations extends over 10 years.
  • Infrastructure upgrade in 181 cities under Green Urban Mobility Initiatives.

Key Features:

  • Inclusive reach: Covers cities with 3 lakhs+ population as per 2011 census.
  • Priority to cities lacking organized bus services.
  • 45,000 to 55,000 direct jobs generated.
  • Two segments: Augmenting City Bus Services (Segment A) and Green Urban Mobility Initiatives (Segment B).
  • Segment A focuses on 10,000 e-buses through PPP model.
  • Segment B emphasizes green initiatives like bus priority and charging infrastructure.
  • States/cities operate bus services, Central Government provides subsidies.
  • Promotes e-mobility and behind-the-meter power infrastructure.
  • Environmental benefits include reduced pollution and carbon emissions.
Why In News

The union cabinet’s green light to ‘PM-eBus Sewa’ marks a significant stride towards enhancing urban mobility, as it paves the way for the deployment of 10,000 e-buses across various cities nationwide. This initiative not only promises to reduce emissions and alleviate traffic congestion but also underscores the government’s commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable transportation future.

MCQs about PM-eBus Sewa Initiative

  1. What is the main objective of the PM-eBus Sewa scheme?
    A. Providing free bus services in all Indian cities.
    B. Enhancing public transportation in rural areas.
    C. Promoting sustainable urban mobility through electric buses.
    D. Supporting the development of new airports.
    Correct Answer: C. Promoting sustainable urban mobility through electric buses.
    Explanation: The main goal of the PM-eBus Sewa scheme is to promote sustainable urban mobility by deploying electric buses in cities, thereby reducing pollution and improving public transportation.
  2. Which population criterion is used to select cities under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme?
    A. Cities with a population of 1 lakh and above.
    B. Capital cities of Union Territories only.
    C. Cities with 3 lakhs and above population as per 2011 census.
    D. Cities with the highest pollution levels.
    Correct Answer: C. Cities with 3 lakhs and above population as per 2011 census.
    Explanation: The scheme targets cities with a population of 3 lakhs and above, as per the 2011 census, to be included in its initiative.
  3. What is the primary funding source for the PM-eBus Sewa scheme?
    A. Contributions from private bus operators.
    B. Donations from international organizations.
    C. State governments’ budget allocations.
    D. Central government’s allocation of ₹20,000 crores.
    Correct Answer: D. Central government’s allocation of ₹20,000 crores.
    Explanation: The primary funding source for the PM-eBus Sewa scheme is the allocation of ₹20,000 crores from the Central government.
  4. What is the role of the Central Government in supporting the bus operations under the scheme?
    A. Running and operating the bus services directly.
    B. Providing subsidies as specified in the scheme.
    C. Designing the bus routes and schedules.
    D. Managing the hiring of bus drivers.
    Correct Answer: B. Providing subsidies as specified in the scheme.
    Explanation: The Central Government’s role is to provide subsidies as outlined in the scheme to support the bus operations conducted by the states and cities.

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