Tata Motors, JBM Among Key Bidders for India’s Largest E-Bus Tender
India’s electric mobility sector is gearing up for a major milestone as at least six leading domestic manufacturers — including Tata Motors Ltd, JBM Auto Ltd, and PMI Electro Mobility Solutions Ltd — prepare to bid for the country’s largest electric bus tender. The tender, which closes on November 6, 2025, aims to transform public transport networks across major Indian cities.
Issued under the PM E-Drive scheme, the tender seeks to deploy 10,900 electric buses in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Surat, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. The initiative forms part of India’s broader strategy to achieve carbon neutrality in the transport sector by 2070, advancing the government’s clean energy and sustainable mobility goals.
The project had faced earlier delays after two deferments, prompted by industry concerns over high bidding costs and contractual risks. However, with revised terms and clarity on financial guarantees, the process has now regained momentum. Officials confirmed that earnest money deposits are expected to be finalized in the coming days, setting the stage for intense competition.
Besides Tata Motors, JBM Auto, and PMI Electro Mobility, several other major players have expressed interest. These include Olectra Greentech Ltd, a subsidiary of Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd; EKA Mobility, backed by Pinnacle Mobility Solutions; and Switch Mobility Ltd, part of the Hinduja Group. All companies are reportedly in the final stages of completing documentation and compliance requirements before the submission deadline.
According to a senior government official, the tender represents a significant leap toward electrifying India’s urban transport fleet. “The large-scale procurement of e-buses will not only cut emissions but also support domestic manufacturing and technology development,” the official said.
The PM E-Drive scheme is designed to aid state and city transport undertakings by providing financial support for adopting electric buses. By encouraging competition among leading OEMs, authorities expect to lower per-unit costs while boosting operational efficiency across urban routes.
Industry analysts believe this tender could reshape India’s e-mobility ecosystem, offering long-term growth opportunities for both established automakers and emerging clean-tech firms. With the submission deadline fast approaching, stakeholders anticipate a fiercely contested bidding process — one that could define the next phase of India’s green transit revolution.
As the country accelerates its shift toward sustainable public transportation, this mega tender underscores India’s commitment to a cleaner, electric-powered future on the roads.