Electric bus of NMC plying on city roads
Nashik Municipal Corporation Launches Electric Bus Services
On Tuesday, the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) initiated electric bus services on two key routes in the city. This move marks a significant step towards creating a more sustainable public transportation system.
The newly introduced air-conditioned electric buses will operate on the following routes: from Tapovan Depot to Bardan Phata via Gangapur Road, and from Tapovan Depot to Symbiosis College.
Officials said this could lower operating losses by 30-35% compared with the existing fleet.
Existing CNG buses cost nearly Rs97 per kilometre to operate and generate about Rs48 per kilometre in revenue, resulting in loss of around Rs49 per kilometre, according to the NMPML. Diesel buses incur operating costs of about Rs77 per kilometre and generate Rs42 per kilometre in revenue, resulting in a loss of Rs35 per kilometre. In comparison, e-buses are estimated to cost around Rs83 per kilometre. With a central govt subsidy of Rs24 per kilometre under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme, the effective cost comes down to Rs59 per kilometre, reducing losses to around Rs11 per kilometre.
The civic body has received 50 electric buses under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme and obtained all necessary permissions from the Nashik Regional Transport Office. Two buses have been deployed now, while the remaining 48 will be introduced on other routes in phases over the next few weeks. Currently, the city bus service, operated by the Nashik Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (NMPML) under the Citilinc brand, runs 250 buses, including 200 CNG and 50 diesel, on 68 routes. With the induction of the new fleet, the total number of buses has increased to 300. The 12-metre-long air-conditioned buses have a seating capacity of 35 passengers. The introduction of e-buses is particularly significant ahead of the 2027 Kumbh Mela, when demand for public transport is expected to rise sharply. The NMPML has already sought an additional fleet of 50 nine-metre electric buses under the scheme to expand services and improve route coverage.
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Speaking to TOI , Vijay Kumar Munde, chief executive officer of NMPML, said the corporation received the e-buses last month and completed all regulatory formalities before commencing operations. Officials said the e-buses are expected to significantly reduce operating losses while providing commuters with a cleaner, quieter and more comfortable travel experience. “The civic transport body plans to gradually phase out diesel buses and replace them with electric vehicles as part of its long-term strategy to build a sustainable and cost-efficient public transport network,” a civic official said.
“Route assessments are underway to determine the most suitable corridors for the remaining buses. Each bus can operate for about 110km to 125km on a single charge, depending on traffic conditions and route characteristics,” he added. Download the TOI App.