CESL Unveils India’s Largest 10,900 E-Bus Tender to Drive Urban Clean Mobility Revolution – EQ
In Short : Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) will issue a mega tender on November 6, 2025, for 10,900 electric buses across major Indian cities including Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad. Under the Gross Cost Contract model, private operators will manage operations and maintenance. The initiative aims to cut 4 million tons of CO₂ annually and accelerate India’s clean mobility transition.
In Detail : Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) is preparing to launch one of India’s largest electric bus tenders on November 6, 2025. The tender will cover the procurement of 10,900 e-buses for major cities including Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Surat. This massive initiative is part of India’s broader strategy to decarbonize urban public transport systems and strengthen sustainable mobility.
The upcoming tender will feature multiple bus types, such as standard-floor, low-floor, and bus rapid transit (BRT) models. Both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned variants will be included to suit diverse city requirements. These buses will be deployed across urban transport networks to improve air quality, reduce emissions, and provide efficient and comfortable public transit options.
Under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model, private operators will own, operate, and maintain the e-buses while city transport agencies pay a fixed fee per kilometre. This model aims to ensure operational efficiency, reduce public expenditure, and promote long-term private participation in India’s electric mobility ecosystem. CESL will oversee the tender and ensure transparency and standardization in the bidding process.
Each selected operator will also be responsible for setting up charging depots and maintenance facilities. CESL has emphasized local job creation, encouraging the hiring of drivers, technicians, and engineers from nearby communities. There will also be a focus on gender inclusivity, with efforts to promote employment opportunities for women across operations and maintenance roles.
The large-scale adoption of electric buses is expected to offset over four million tons of carbon dioxide annually. This will make a significant contribution toward India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. The initiative is also projected to help reduce India’s dependence on imported fossil fuels while promoting clean energy usage in the transport sector.
This tender aligns with the government’s PM e-Bus Sewa and National Electric Bus Programme (NEBP). Both initiatives aim to integrate e-buses into public transport systems across major cities and smaller municipalities. Through this approach, India seeks to modernize its urban transport infrastructure while encouraging technological innovation and domestic manufacturing in the EV sector.
By aggregating demand across multiple cities, CESL intends to leverage economies of scale to reduce costs and standardize specifications. This centralized procurement strategy will help streamline logistics, accelerate deployment timelines, and create a competitive market environment for bus manufacturers and charging infrastructure providers. The model ensures cost efficiency while driving rapid electrification.
However, industry experts have raised concerns regarding the readiness of charging infrastructure and the strict technical requirements outlined in the tender. Many operators have pointed out that power availability, depot space, and financing challenges could affect implementation schedules. CESL is working closely with state governments and urban transport bodies to address these bottlenecks before rollout.
Overall, CESL’s 10,900 e-bus tender represents a crucial milestone in India’s clean mobility mission. Once implemented, it will transform public transport in several Indian cities, reduce urban pollution, and generate local economic growth. The initiative marks a bold step toward achieving India’s vision of sustainable, inclusive, and energy-efficient urban mobility for the future.
