Meghalaya CM Conrad K. Sangma Flags Off E-Buses Under PM-eBus Sewa Scheme
Meghalaya CM Conrad K. Sangma Flags Off E-Buses Under PM-eBus Sewa Scheme, Ushering in a New Era of Sustainable Urban Mobility in Meghalaya
Shillong, June 09, 2026: In a strategic move to revolutionize public transportation and promote environmental sustainability, Shri. Conrad K. Sangma today, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, flagged off a new fleet of electric buses under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme. The flag-off ceremony, organized by the Department of Urban Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, was held at the Taraghar-State Guest House, Shillong.
The introduction of these e-buses marks a significant milestone in the State’s ongoing efforts to build a robust, future-ready, and sustainable urban mobility ecosystem.
Addressing the gathering, the Honourable Chief Minister acknowledged that public transportation has long been one of the biggest challenges in Shillong. He pointed out that, this initiative introduces a truly public transportation mode designed to be inherently safe, secure, and reliable. Emphasizing the much larger purpose of transitioning to clean energy, he noted that this adaptive and tailor-made system is directly aimed at reducing traffic issues across the State capital. Underlining this core vision, he stated, “The ultimate goal of this entire process is really to figure out how we can decongest the city, how we can ensure that people will use public transport more than their personal vehicles, so that the congestion can reduce, and that of course as we know has got multiple benefits for everyone.”
He added that operations will gradually shift toward the new administrative city, supported by a planned four-lane road connecting the existing core to the new administrative hub. This shift will allow repurpose areas to create more green space, open space, and walking space for citizens. Encouraging more citizens to start using e-vehicles, the Hon’ble Chief Minister confirmed that the government is actively working on renewing the zero-tax policy for electric vehicles, making them a highly viable and practical proposition within the city limits. Leading by example, he announced that all cabinet ministers and senior government officials will soon start using electric vehicles.
In his address, Dr. Vijay Kumar D, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Urban Affairs Department, Government of Meghalaya, said that the flagging off the first batch of electric marks a major landmark for the city’s urban mobility. He explained that these new eco-friendly, GPS-tagged, air-conditioned vehicles, procured through the Government of India’s PM-eBus Sewa scheme, will effectively replace the older fleet of buses that have reached the end of their utility cycle. Under this initiative, a total of 50 new electric buses will be introduced using an innovative Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model. He added that this system transitions away from revenue-dependent operations, instead compensating operators based on strict public service criteria such as maintaining a 15-minute schedule at designated stops thereby ensuring reliable transit across both commercial hubs and previously underserved areas. Furthermore, he noted that this launch builds upon the successful recent pilot of GPS-tagged diesel buses, which are already serving 3,000 daily passengers. Ultimately, the integration of these electric buses aims to expand the comprehensive transit network to 150 buses, target a daily ridership of 60,000 commuters, and generate sustainable, large-scale employment for local youth.
Notably the new fleet is zero emission and fully air conditioned, efficient bus built on a safe stainless steel chassis with a range of 180 to 200 kilometers on a single charge. It accommodates up to 25 passengers, with a comfortable 2×2 layout as you can see and an overhead storage. It features a designated wheelchair space with a foldable ramp for full accessibility alongside a modern e-ticketing system for a seamless daily commute. And five buses are being launched as part of the first phase.
The launch reaffirms the Government of Meghalaya’s proactive approach to urban planning, demonstrating that modernization and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand to improve the quality of life for every citizen.
Press Release
