Nagpur: The civic body’s much-touted electric bus expansion has hit a double setback — 139 sanctioned buses are yet to be delivered, while 109 already received remain idle due to lack of charging infrastructure.The issue failed to receive due attention during the last general body meeting, as former transport committee chairmen Jitendra Kukde and Narendra Borkar, both from BJP, traded charges over the functioning of the transport department. Discussions drifted away from crucial issues such as fleet expansion and improving public transport services.At present, NMC operates 385 electric buses. The Centre sanctioned 150 electric buses under the PM e-bus scheme while state govt funded 250 buses. Of the 250 state-funded buses, the civic body has received 209 e-buses so far. However, only around 100 of these buses are currently being operated. Delivery of 100 buses under the PM e-bus scheme and 39 from the EKA batch (state funded) is pending, raising concerns over follow-up by the administration. Civic sources said the pending 139 buses are crucial for improving frequency on overcrowded routes, reducing passenger waiting time, and expanding services in newly developing residential areas.The additional buses are also expected to help the civic body cut diesel consumption at a time when fuel supply concerns remain. Officials said the remaining buses are essential for long-term plans to gradually phase down diesel-run buses and make the public transport system more cost-efficient.Official sources pointed out that cities such as Delhi, Ahmedabad, Surat, Chennai and Bengaluru are actively following up with manufacturers and fast-tracking depot readiness to ensure quicker delivery of electric buses. In contrast, Nagpur has failed to show similar urgency.Transport committee chairperson Mangala Khekre said she would look into the issue.
