Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has called for a nationwide rollout of flash-charging electric articulated buses on new highways to revolutionize public transport in India. Speaking at the 24th Darbari Seth Memorial Lecture hosted by TERI, Gadkari emphasized the need to transform urban mobility by leveraging rapid charging technology for electric buses.
A flash-charging-based electric bus system uses fully automated, high-speed charging at bus stops, allowing quick battery top-ups within seconds as passengers board and alight. This eliminates long charging delays at depots and enables continuous operations on high-frequency routes.
Nagpur will host a pilot project led by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, with Tata Motors selected as the official operator and supplier. The pilot features an 18-meter-long, air-conditioned articulated electric bus capable of carrying up to 135 passengers, built at Tata Motors’ Dharwad plant. The bus can reach speeds up to 120 km/h and will be equipped with infotainment and other executive amenities.
Gadkari noted that this system is significantly more cost-effective than metro systems and up to 30% cheaper in fare compared to diesel buses. The proposed network aims to connect major city corridors such as Delhi–Dehradun, Delhi–Jaipur, and Bengaluru–Chennai, offering a fast, affordable, and green alternative to existing modes of transport.
Flash-charging technology and traction equipment are being provided by Hitachi Energy and Siemens. Gadkari also revealed ongoing discussions to explore similar systems for trucks, suggesting electric cable installations along 10 km highway stretches to allow vehicles to travel up to 40 km per charge. Though costly at an estimated ₹8 crores, the initiative could be implemented through a build–operate–transfer model.
Gadkari’s push aligns with India’s broader clean mobility goals and reflects growing interest in sustainable, scalable alternatives to traditional diesel-based transport systems.
