In a commendable move towards sustainable transportation, the Indian government has approved a budget of nearly $7 billion for a nationwide initiative that will introduce 10,000 electric buses in 170 cities across the country. The ambitious plan aims to combat air pollution caused by vehicle emissions, which has been a significant contributor to India's poor air quality. The deployment of electric buses is expected to not only reduce air pollution but also contribute to a decrease in the nation's carbon emissions.

Under this initiative, the private and public sectors will collaborate to facilitate the installation of the necessary charging infrastructure alongside the deployment of electric buses. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited electric bus manufacturers to bid for government contracts, fostering competition and encouraging innovation in the sector.

The funding for this project amounts to 2 million lakh rupees, equivalent to approximately $7 billion US dollars. In addition to the electric bus initiative, the cabinet also approved seven railway tracking projects worth 3.25 million lakh rupees, aimed at enhancing connectivity and mobility across nine states.

This commitment to sustainable infrastructure aligns with global efforts to transition towards cleaner transportation alternatives. In the United States, a $1.7 billion funding allocation from President Joe Biden's infrastructure plan will support the manufacturing and procurement of 1,700 electric or low-emission buses for cities in 46 states.

India's ambitious plan to introduce electric buses on such a large scale demonstrates the country's determination to prioritize environmental sustainability and improve the quality of life for its citizens. By embracing electric mobility, India takes a significant step forward in its quest for cleaner and greener transportation systems.