Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) is set to issue a nationwide tender for 10,900 electric buses under the National Electric Bus Programme (NEBP), marking a major step toward expanding India’s zero-emission public transport network. The tender, scheduled to open on 6 November 2025, reflects the government’s push for clean and sustainable mobility across urban India.
Transforming Urban Transport Through Large-Scale Electrification
The upcoming tender will cover several key metropolitan regions, including Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Surat, and Ahmedabad. The procurement will include both AC and non-AC variants across Standard Floor, Low Floor, and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) models.
- Bengaluru will receive the largest allocation with 4,500 buses, followed by Delhi (2,800), Hyderabad (2,000), and Surat–Ahmedabad (1,600 combined).
Successful bidders will enter into agreements with respective City Transport Undertakings (CTUs) for deployment, operation, and maintenance of the fleets.
Cost-Efficient and Inclusive Operating Model
Under CESL’s Gross Cost Contract (GCC) framework, private operators will own, operate, and maintain the e-buses, while city authorities pay a per-kilometre service fee. This aggregation-based model aims to reduce procurement costs and ease the financial burden on local administrations.
Operators will also handle charging infrastructure, local workforce hiring, and must comply with service-level agreements ensuring energy efficiency, safety, and passenger comfort. The programme emphasises inclusivity by encouraging the employment of women drivers and maintenance engineers, promoting gender diversity in India’s clean mobility workforce.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
The deployment of 10,900 e-buses is projected to replace thousands of diesel buses, cutting over 4 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. Beyond emission reduction, the move will help reduce noise pollution and improve urban air quality nationwide.
CESL has previously executed several successful e-bus procurements under FAME-II and earlier rounds of the National E-Bus Programme, reinforcing its leadership in scalable clean transport solutions.
Summary:
CESL will launch a tender on 6 November 2025 for 10,900 e-buses across key Indian cities under the National E-Bus Programme. The ₹-multi-thousand-crore initiative, based on a Gross Cost Contract model, will drive sustainable urban mobility, lower emissions, and promote inclusivity through local employment and women’s participation.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. The securities or companies mentioned are provided as examples and should not be considered as recommendations. Nothing contained herein constitutes personal financial advice or investment recommendations. Readers are advised to conduct their own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Investments in securities markets are subject to market risks. Please read all related documents carefully before investing.