Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Bhopal's First Electric Bus Trial Faces Encroachment Challenges
Bhopal, a city in India, tried out its new electric buses for the first time.
These buses are part of a big plan to have 250 electric buses in the city.
The trial was to see how well the buses work, how fast they can go, and how easy they are to drive.
The buses went on two routes, but they had some problems.
There were too many small vehicles and things blocking the roads, especially in the old part of the city.
The buses have special features like cameras, buttons to call for help, and ramps for people in wheelchairs.
The mayor and other important people also rode the buses to check them out.
If everything goes well, the buses will start taking passengers next week.
Bhopal's first trial run of electric buses faced congestion due to road encroachments and e-rickshaws in the old city.
Five e-buses were tested on two routes: Bairagarh to Kolar and Bairagarh to Nishatpura Rail Coach Factory.
Buses covered 40 km in 1.5 hours, with officials assessing performance, charging systems, and driver ergonomics.
Challenges included enforcing anti-encroachment measures and improving traffic management on key urban corridors.
Buses feature smart technology and safety measures, including CCTV, panic buttons, and wheelchair ramps, with a fare of Rs 1.50 per km.
- Who
- Bhopal City Link Ltd. (BCLL) officials, Mayor Malti Rai, BMC chairman Kishan Suryavanshi, corporators
- What
- Trial run of Bhopal's new electric buses
- When
- Monday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Why
- To assess vehicle performance, charging systems, and driver ergonomics before public service
- Location
- Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Trial Routes
- Bairagarh to Kolar and Bairagarh to Nishatpura Rail Coach Factory
- Bus Speed
- 40 kmph within city, 50 kmph in outer areas
- Charging Depot
- Bairagarh with 11 charging points
- Fare
- Rs 1.50 per kilometre, minimum Rs 7
- Total Buses Expected
- 250 under PM-eBus Sewa scheme
- Buses Already Arrived
- 21