The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, granted approval for two significant schemes on Wednesday, aimed at enhancing urban transportation and supporting traditional artisans. These schemes, namely “PM-eBus Sewa” and “PM Vishwakarma,” are set to bring transformative changes to urban mobility and traditional skill livelihood.
The PM-eBus Sewa Scheme, with an estimated cost of Rs 57,613 crore, received the Cabinet’s green signal. Under this scheme, the augmentation of city bus operations will see the introduction of 10,000 electric buses (e-buses) on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The Central Government will contribute Rs 20,000 crore to this initiative, aimed at supporting bus operations for a decade.
Cities with a population of three lakh and above, as per the 2011 census, including Union Territories’ capital cities, the North Eastern Region,
and Hill States, will benefit from this scheme. Notably, priority will be given to cities without an organised bus
service.
This initiative is projected to generate 45,000 to 55,000 direct jobs through the deployment of approximately 10,000 e-buses in urban bus operations. The scheme comprises two segments:
Segment A — Augmenting City Bus Services (169 Cities): This segment focuses on enhancing city bus operations through the introduction of 10,000 e-buses under the PPP model. The scheme also includes provisions for associated infrastructure development or upgradation of depot infrastructure and the establishment of behind-the-meter power infrastructure for e-buses.
Segment B — Green Urban Mobility Initiatives (181 Cities): This segment aims at green initiatives such as bus priority infrastructure, multimodal interchange facilities, Automated Fare Collection Systems based on the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), charging infrastructure, and more.
Under the scheme, the states and cities will be responsible for running bus services and making payments to bus operators, while the Central Government will provide subsidies as outlined in the scheme.
The PM-eBus Sewa Scheme is expected to encourage e-mobility by offering comprehensive support for behind-the-meter power infrastructure. It also emphasizes the development of charging infrastructure through the Green Urban Mobility Initiatives.
The scheme not only accelerates the adoption of energy-efficient electric buses but also fosters innovation in the e-mobility sector and promotes a resilient supply chain for electric vehicles. By transitioning to electric mobility, noise and air pollution will be reduced, contributing to carbon emission reduction.
The Cabinet’s approval also extended to the PM Vishwakarma scheme, designed to uplift livelihood opportunities for traditional skilled artisans.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the scheme’s implementation, highlighting its focus on providing financial assistance and skill development for artisans.
Under the Rs 13,000-crore Vishwakarma Yojana, craftsmen will receive subsidised loans up to Rs 2 lakh. The
first tranche will provide artisans and craftspeople with loans up to Rs 1 lakh at a
5 per cent interest rate, while the second tranche will offer credit support of up to Rs 2 lakh at the same concessional interest rate.
The scheme’s key features include financial support for artisans, advanced skill training, a Rs 500 stipend for skill development, and Rs 1,500 for purchasing modern tools. Additionally, the scheme offers incentives for digital transactions, marketing support, and toolkit incentives, ensuring comprehensive support for traditional workers.