India is shifting towards greener transport, and electric buses are leading the way. While big cities like Delhi and Mumbai have already begun using them, now Tier-2 cities such as Coimbatore, Vijayawada, Jaipur, and Mysore are joining the change. These places may not be metros, but they are growing fast. That means more people, more pollution, and a bigger need for clean public transport.
Electric buses offer a smart solution. They cut pollution, save fuel, and run quietly. This article explains how these smaller cities are embracing electric buses, what challenges they face, and how this change will help people and the planet.
Why Tier-2 Cities Matter in India’s EV Push
Tier-2 cities are India’s future hubs. Cities like Jaipur, Coimbatore, and Vijayawada may not be as big as Bangalore or Delhi, but they are growing quickly in terms of population, economy, and traffic.
These cities face rising air pollution and traffic problems. Electric buses can fix both. Since these areas are still building their transport systems, they can adopt cleaner technologies from the start.
Unlike metros, where fuel buses already fill the roads, Tier-2 cities have a chance to skip the dirty phase. This makes electric buses not just an option, but a smarter one. The government also supports this shift through FAME-II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India), offering money and help to local bodies.
For example, cities like Vijayawada (Hyderabad to Vijayawada is one of the busiest routes in South India) and Jaipur (Delhi to Jaipur is heavily traveled) are now focusing on modern bus systems that include electric vehicles.
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Government Support & Policy Framework
The electric bus expansion in India has been largely shaped by national policies and financial schemes. One of the key enablers was the FAME-II scheme (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles), which aimed to subsidize around 7,090 electric buses across the country. Initially, Tier-2 cities were among the beneficiaries, receiving financial aid to replace their aging diesel fleets.
However, a major shift occurred in June 2021 when the government revised the scheme to prioritize only nine megacities with populations above four million. This left Tier-2 cities scrambling to fund their electrification efforts independently.
Despite the setback, state governments, municipal corporations, and local transport bodies have continued to push forward. Cities like Nashik have tapped into alternative funding sources like clean air grants, while others have relied on public-private partnerships and technical guidance from networks like the TUMI E-Bus Mission and ICLEI.
The push for clean mobility in Tier-2 cities now depends heavily on localized planning, political commitment, and innovative financing strategies.
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Case Studies: Tier-2 Cities Leading the Way
Let’s look at some real examples of how Tier-2 cities are using electric buses:
Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu):
Coimbatore is fast fast-growing city and has begun testing electric buses for its city transport. The city also connects to Chennai and Bangalore through busy routes like Chennai to Coimbatore and Bangalore to Coimbatore. These connections offer room for future intercity electric travel.
Jaipur (Rajasthan):
Known for tourism, Jaipur faces seasonal pollution and crowded roads. It was among the early Tier-2 cities to adopt e-buses under FAME. Today, local buses connect nearby towns and serve routes like Jaipur to Delhi, one of the most traveled highway corridors.
Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh):
A key stop on the Hyderabad to Vijayawada route, the city now has electric buses for local travel. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) is planning more e-buses in nearby cities like Nellore and Kurnool.
Mysore (Karnataka):
Part of the Bangalore to Mysore belt, this cultural city uses e-buses on heritage circuits. These buses are popular among tourists and students, cutting emissions in a city that hosts thousands of daily visitors.
Aurangabad (Maharashtra):
Close to major tourist spots, Aurangabad connects well with Mumbai and Nashik. The city started using electric buses to offer clean travel to heritage sites.
These cities prove that electric buses are not limited to large metros. With support and planning, even smaller cities can lead the EV movement.
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Key Challenges Faced by Tier-2 Cities
While progress is being made, the road to electric bus adoption in Tier-2 cities is far from smooth. One of the biggest challenges is the high upfront cost of electric buses, which can be up to three times more than their diesel counterparts. Without direct subsidies, cities must explore creative funding mechanisms, which aren’t always readily available.
Charging infrastructure is another major hurdle. Many cities lack the technical capacity and urban space required for setting up depots and charging stations at scale. This slows down deployment and creates operational bottlenecks.
In addition, there is a shortage of trained drivers and mechanics for electric buses. Many municipal staff and private operators are unfamiliar with EV technology, making capacity building a critical priority.
The fragmentation of policy and coordination at the state and central levels also affects implementation. With fewer knowledge-sharing platforms and technical support systems, each city is often left to figure out its path.
Gender & Social Inclusion in E-Mobility
One of the standout features of electric bus expansion in some Tier-2 cities is the focus on social equity. In Bhubaneswar, the MO Bus program has made it a policy goal to ensure that 50% of all conductors are women. This not only increases female workforce participation but also enhances safety and trust in public transport for women passengers.
The city has also deployed MO E-Rickshaws that are driven by women, transgender individuals, and HIV+ persons. These electric rickshaws offer last-mile connectivity in key zones like markets and office areas, providing employment opportunities to marginalized groups while contributing to sustainable mobility.
Such models demonstrate how public transport electrification can go beyond environmental benefits to become a tool for inclusive urban development.
Tech, Funding & Innovations Fueling the Transition
To overcome barriers and accelerate adoption, several Tier-2 cities are experimenting with new technologies and business models.
Public-private partnerships have become a key enabler. In this model, private companies manage bus fleets and charging infrastructure while the government provides policy and route support. This reduces financial burden on municipal corporations and improves operational efficiency.
Battery-as-a-service is another emerging innovation. Rather than purchasing buses with fixed batteries, cities are exploring models where batteries are leased separately, reducing upfront costs and allowing for better battery management.
Cities like Rajkot and Indore are also combining CNG with electric buses, creating a phased transition that doesn’t overwhelm their infrastructure.
Funding from clean air programs, international climate funds, and state EV grants is increasingly being used to supplement national schemes. These diversified funding avenues are helping smaller cities stay on track, even when central policies fall short.
Future Outlook: Intercity and Long-Distance E-Bus Growth
The future looks bright for electric buses in Tier-2 cities. As charging stations grow and costs drop, we may see more electric buses not just within cities, but between them.
Busy routes like Hyderabad to Bangalore, Pune to Hyderabad, and Chennai to Bangalore are already exploring electric intercity buses. Some private operators are testing electric coaches on shorter overnight journeys.
Technology is also improving. New batteries charge faster and last longer. Companies are building electric buses that can travel over 300 km on a single charge. This could make longer routes like Delhi to Lucknow or Mumbai to Goa possible shortly.
Cities like Durgapur, Madurai, and Warangal, part of popular routes like Kolkata to Durgapur and Chennai to Madurai, can also become hubs for electric intercity buses.
With proper planning, public-private partnerships, and better policies, Tier-2 cities will not just catch up but may lead India’s clean transport future.
Conclusion: A Cleaner Tomorrow Starts in Smaller
Electric buses are no longer just for metros. From Jaipur’s pink streets to Vijayawada’s bustling roads and Coimbatore’s tech parks, Tier-2 cities are proving that green travel is possible anywhere. These cities may be smaller in size, but they play a big role in building India’s clean future.
With better funding, training, and planning, electric buses can become the backbone of sustainable urban travel, even on long routes connecting these vibrant cities. Whether you’re planning a trip from Hyderabad to Vijayawada or Chennai to Coimbatore, the road to a cleaner India runs through its growing heartlands.
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FAQs
1. Why are electric buses being introduced in Tier-2 Indian cities?
Electric buses are being introduced in Tier-2 cities to reduce air pollution, promote cleaner public transport, and cut fuel costs. These cities have growing populations and traffic, making them ideal for eco-friendly transit upgrades. Government schemes and local support have made it easier to roll out electric fleets in cities like Coimbatore, Vijayawada, and Jaipur.
2. Which Tier-2 cities in India are leading in electric bus adoption?
Cities like Jaipur, Coimbatore, Vijayawada, Indore, and Surat are leading the electric bus shift. They’ve received funding under the FAME scheme and are working on building charging infrastructure. These cities have shown strong interest in green public transport and are setting examples for others to follow by electrifying key urban and intercity routes.
3. Are electric buses suitable for long-distance routes between Tier-2 cities?
Yes, many electric buses now offer extended ranges of 250–300 km per charge, making them suitable for routes like Hyderabad to Vijayawada or Chennai to Coimbatore. With growing charging infrastructure and improved battery tech, Tier-2 cities can support long-distance clean travel across state borders while keeping operational costs low and air quality high.
4. How is the government supporting electric bus deployment in Tier-2 cities?
The Indian government supports electric bus adoption through initiatives like FAME II, providing subsidies, and assisting with charging infrastructure. State transport departments are also investing in training drivers and maintenance staff. Public-private partnerships are further helping Tier-2 cities plan smarter routes and deploy reliable electric buses across both urban and intercity networks.
5. Can I book electric bus tickets for Tier-2 city routes online?
Absolutely! You can book electric bus tickets online through platforms like Travelfika, which lists eco-friendly routes such as Bangalore to Mysore or Hyderabad to Warangal. These buses offer a comfortable, quiet, and green ride with the convenience of digital bookings, live tracking, and flexible schedules for smart intercity travel.
