GUWAHATI: A fleet of electric buses were flagged off in Meghalaya on Tuesday, June 9, under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme, marking a significant step towards modernising urban public transport and promoting sustainable mobility in the state capital.
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The launch ceremony was held at the Taraghar State Guest House in Shillong and was attended by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma along with senior officials from the Urban Affairs Department.
The initiative aims to enhance public transportation services while gradually replacing ageing diesel-powered buses with cleaner and more efficient electric alternatives. According to officials from the Department of Urban Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, the first phase of the project includes the deployment of five electric buses, with plans to introduce a total of 50 buses under an operational Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model.
Under the GCC model, operators are compensated based on service performance indicators such as adherence to fixed schedules and operational standards, rather than relying solely on passenger fare collections.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the introduction of electric buses forms part of a broader strategy to ease traffic congestion in Shillong by encouraging greater use of public transport over private vehicles. He added that transport planning is being integrated with the city's long-term urban development goals, including future administrative expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and the creation of more pedestrian-friendly public spaces.
Officials stated that the new electric buses are equipped with air-conditioning, GPS tracking systems, and accessibility features such as wheelchair spaces and ramp access. Each bus can accommodate approximately 25 seated passengers and has an operational range of around 180 to 200 kilometres on a single charge.
The initiative is expected to improve public transport coverage, increase service frequency, and contribute to reducing vehicular emissions in Shillong.
