Raphael Warjri

In a major push towards sustainable urban mobility, Meghalaya Chief Minister  on Tuesday flagged off five electric buses under the PM eBus Sewa Scheme at Taraghar–State Guest House, Shillong.

The launch marks the rollout of the first phase of the Centre-sponsored initiative aimed at strengthening Shillong's public transport network while promoting clean and green mobility solutions.

Speaking on the occasion, Sangma said the introduction of electric buses was part of the State Government's long-term strategy to decongest Shillong and build a reliable, efficient and commuter-friendly public transportation system. He highlighted ongoing investments in parking infrastructure and the proposed administrative city at Mawdiangdiang as key components of the broader urban mobility roadmap.

The Chief Minister also reaffirmed the Government's commitment to electric mobility, stating that incentives for electric vehicles, including exemptions on registration fees and road taxes, would continue under a renewed policy framework.

Earlier, Dr. Vijay Kumar D, Commissioner and Secretary, Urban Affairs Department, said Shillong had been sanctioned 50 electric buses under the PM eBus Sewa Scheme and informed that the city was transitioning to a Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model to ensure time-bound and service-oriented public transport operations.

He further disclosed that four routes had been identified for the electric buses and expressed optimism that a fleet of nearly 150 diesel and electric buses would be operational within six months, catering to an estimated 60,000 commuters daily.

Senior government officials, representatives of implementing agencies and other stakeholders attended the programme.