Olectra MD Urges India Bus Industry Global Leadership

Mahesh Babu, Managing Director of Olectra Greentech, has urged India’s bus manufacturing sector to take charge of the global electric mobility shift. Speaking at Busworld India Conclave 2026 in Delhi, he said the industry must move beyond its current role and lead innovation in the evolving transport landscape.

He emphasised that India’s position as the world’s second-largest bus manufacturing market must translate into stronger global influence and technological leadership.

India’s Position In Global Bus Manufacturing

Mahesh Babu pointed out that India holds a strong position as the second-largest bus manufacturing market globally. However, he questioned whether the industry is truly behaving like a global leader.

Reflecting on his experience, he noted that despite the scale, the sector has not consistently demonstrated leadership in innovation and direction. He stressed that this gap must be addressed if India aims to shape the future of mobility.

Need To Lead Electric Mobility Transition

Highlighting the shift toward electric mobility, Mahesh Babu said the industry must take initiative rather than waiting for external forces to drive change. He urged stakeholders to lead the transition and set global benchmarks.

He added that the Public-Private Partnership model has played a key role in expanding the sector, but the next phase requires a proactive approach focused on innovation and leadership in electric mobility.

Strong Economics Driving Electric Buses

Mahesh Babu underlined that the move toward electric buses is no longer driven only by environmental concerns. He said the total cost of ownership for electric buses is already lower than that of diesel buses, making it an economically sound decision.

This cost advantage, he explained, provides a strong foundation for accelerating adoption and strengthening India’s position in the global market.

Innovation And Flash Charging Technology

Focusing on innovation, Mahesh Babu highlighted the importance of adopting advanced technologies such as flash charging. He noted that such systems can charge vehicles in as little as eight minutes, significantly improving efficiency and usability.

He said embracing such innovations will be crucial for aligning India’s standards with global developments and enhancing customer experience.

Addressing Ecosystem And Customer Needs

Mahesh Babu stressed that solving ecosystem challenges is essential for sustained growth. Issues like financing and charging infrastructure must be addressed to support large-scale adoption of electric buses.

At the same time, he emphasised the importance of focusing on customer expectations, including reliability, comfort, and efficiency. Meeting these demands will be key to ensuring long-term success in the sector.

Road Ahead For India Bus Industry

The statements at Busworld India Conclave 2026 highlight a turning point for India’s bus manufacturing industry. With strong fundamentals and growing demand, the sector is well positioned to lead the global electric mobility transition.

By embracing innovation, improving infrastructure, and leveraging cost advantages, India can move beyond scale and establish itself as a true global leader.