Daily Current Affairs : 15-January-2024

The recent announcement by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister regarding the initiation of tenders for procuring buses under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme is a significant move towards promoting sustainable urban transportation. This essay explores the key dimensions of the PM-eBus Sewa scheme, emphasizing its objectives, operation model, financial support, coverage, and various segments.

PM-eBus Sewa Scheme Overview:

Objective: The primary aim of the PM-eBus Sewa scheme is to deploy 10,000 electric buses in cities across India. This ambitious objective seeks to accelerate the adoption of electric buses in public transportation, addressing environmental concerns and promoting a cleaner, greener urban mobility landscape.

Operation Model: The scheme employs a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model for city bus operations. Under this model, bus services are sustained for a decade, with states and cities responsible for both operations and payments to operators. This collaborative approach ensures a sustainable and efficient urban transportation system.

Financial Support: The central government has allocated a substantial Rs 57,613 crore for the PM-eBus Sewa scheme. Of this, Rs 20,000 crore is contributed by the central government, while states cover the remaining portion. This financial backing is crucial for the successful implementation of the scheme and underscores the government’s commitment to promoting eco-friendly transportation.

Coverage and Segments:

Coverage: The scheme targets cities with populations of 300,000 and above, including capital cities of Union Territories, the North Eastern Region, and Hill States. This broad coverage ensures that the benefits of the scheme are extended to a diverse range of urban areas, contributing to a nationwide transition to electric buses.

Scheme Segments:

  1. Augmenting City Bus Services and Associated Infrastructure:
    • Extends Central Assistance for 10,000 electric buses, bus depots, and behind-the-meter power infrastructure on a PPP model.
  2. Green Urban Mobility Initiatives (GUMI):
    • Supports GUMI projects to complement bus services and demonstrate reduced Greenhouse Gas emissions in urban areas.
    • Includes backing for the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)-based Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS), bus priority infrastructure, etc.
Important Points:
  • PM-eBus Sewa Scheme Overview:
    • Objective: Deploy 10,000 electric buses nationwide for sustainable urban transportation.
    • Operation Model: Public Private Partnership (PPP) model for city bus operations, sustained for 10 years.
    • Financial Support: Rs 57,613 crore allocated by the central government, with a Rs 20,000 crore contribution, and states covering the remaining portion.
  • Coverage and Segments:
    • Coverage: Targets cities with populations of 300,000 and above, including capital cities of Union Territories, the North Eastern Region, and Hill States.
    • Scheme Segments:
      • Augmenting City Bus Services and Associated Infrastructure: Central Assistance for 10,000 electric buses, bus depots, and power infrastructure on a PPP model.
      • Green Urban Mobility Initiatives (GUMI): Support for projects showcasing reduced Greenhouse Gas emissions, National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)-based Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS), and bus priority infrastructure.
Why In News

The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister recently announced that the Ministry has taken a significant step towards enhancing public transportation by floating tenders for procuring buses under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme. This initiative is poised to not only improve urban mobility but also contribute to a sustainable and eco-friendly transportation ecosystem.

MCQs about PM-eBus Sewa Scheme’s Green Mobility Initiative

  1. What is the primary objective of the PM-eBus Sewa scheme?
    A. Deploy 5,000 electric buses
    B. Accelerate the adoption of electric buses in public transportation
    C. Introduce autonomous buses in cities
    D. Enhance the infrastructure of traditional buses
    Correct Answer: B. Accelerate the adoption of electric buses in public transportation
    Explanation: The scheme aims to deploy 10,000 electric buses nationwide to accelerate the adoption of eco-friendly public transportation.
  2. Which model is employed for city bus operations under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme?
    A. Solely government-managed
    B. Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
    C. Community-driven
    D. Autonomous operation by the central government
    Correct Answer: B. Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
    Explanation: The PM-eBus Sewa scheme utilizes a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for managing city bus operations.
  3. How much financial support has been allocated by the central government for the PM-eBus Sewa scheme?
    A. Rs 10,000 crore
    B. Rs 30,000 crore
    C. Rs 57,613 crore
    D. Rs 5,000 crore
    Correct Answer: C. Rs 57,613 crore
    Explanation: The central government has allocated Rs 57,613 crore for the PM-eBus Sewa scheme to support the deployment of electric buses.
  4. What is the coverage criterion for cities targeted under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme?
    A. Cities with populations of 100,000 and above
    B. Metropolitan cities only
    C. Cities with populations of 300,000 and above
    D. Rural areas with minimal urbanization
    Correct Answer: C. Cities with populations of 300,000 and above
    Explanation: The scheme targets cities with populations of 300,000 and above, including capital cities of Union Territories, the North Eastern Region, and Hill States.

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