CESL to Launch Tender for 10,900 E-Buses Under National E-Bus Programme

Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) prepares to roll out a nationwide tender for 10,900 electric buses. The initiative, aligned with the National Electric Bus Programme (NEBP), underscores the government’s commitment to accelerating clean, sustainable, and zero-emission public transport infrastructure.

Mega Tender to Transform Urban Transport

Scheduled to open on 6 November 2025, the mega tender will cover multiple metropolitan regions, including Hyderabad, Surat, Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Bengaluru. The procurement process will include both AC and Non-AC models across Standard Floor, Low Floor, and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) configurations. 

Bengaluru will receive the largest share with 4,500 buses, followed by Delhi with 2,800, Hyderabad with 2,000, and a combined 1,600 buses for Surat and Ahmedabad. Once finalised, the successful bidders will sign agreements with respective City Transport Undertakings (CTUs) to manage deployment, operation, and maintenance of the electric fleets.

Inclusive and Sustainable Framework

Under CESL’s aggregation-based procurement model within the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) framework, private operators will own, operate, and maintain the buses while urban authorities pay a per-kilometre service fee. This approach ensures cost efficiency and lowers financial pressure on city administrations. 

Operators will also be responsible for setting up charging depots, employing local workforce, and complying with stringent service-level agreements to guarantee reliability, energy efficiency, and passenger comfort. The programme further promotes inclusivity by encouraging the hiring of women drivers and maintenance engineers, expanding gender diversity in the clean mobility sector.

Green Impact and Broader Vision

The deployment of 10,900 e-buses is expected to replace a significant number of diesel vehicles, resulting in an estimated reduction of over 4 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. Beyond cutting carbon output, the project will also contribute to quieter streets and improved air quality in India’s urban centres. CESL has already led multiple rounds of successful electric bus procurements under the FAME-II and National E-Bus Programme, building a strong foundation for scalable adoption.

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Conclusion

The upcoming CESL tender signals a decisive push towards India’s electric transition, blending technology, policy, and sustainability to redefine the future of urban public transport.

 

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