Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) has launched a new tender for the procurement, operation and maintenance of 6,230 electric buses across major Indian cities, marking a major expansion in the country’s electric public transport push. Bids are open until March 10, 2026 under a Gross Cost Contracting (GCC) model, where operators handle both fleet delivery and infrastructure development for charging and support networks.
Under the tender, 3,330 buses are earmarked for Delhi, including a mix of 7-metre and 9-metre low-floor air-conditioned units, while the remaining 2,900 buses will be allocated to Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad, with specified mixes of AC and non-AC buses tailored to city needs.
This initiative forms part of the second phase of the PM E-Drive Scheme, which aims to deploy over 14,000 electric buses nationwide to reduce emissions, enhance clean mobility solutions and modernise urban public transport infrastructure.
Industry analysts note that the tender, valued well over ₹6,000 crore, reflects India’s growing commitment to electrifying mass transit and strengthening the ecosystem for zero-emission vehicles in cities with heavy commuter demand.
Electric bus adoption in India has been rising rapidly, with annual sales more than doubling between 2022 and 2025.
