This publication explores the electrification potential of Tamil Nadu’s private bus sector, which operates over 8,500 buses on stage carriage permits, serving nearly 48 lakh passengers daily across urban and rural areas. Despite playing a vital role alongside State Transport Undertakings, the sector faces severe challenges—post-COVID ridership declines, high diesel costs, and ageing fleets—all while lacking government financial support.
The report highlights how electrifying these buses can curb 87.83 lakh tonnes of CO₂ emissions, save ₹24,000 crore in fuel costs over 12 years, and reduce operational costs by 30–50%. Based on a survey of 153 private operators, it also captures their readiness to adopt electric buses if supported by leasing models, improved charging infrastructure, and regulatory reforms. With practical recommendations to overcome key barriers, the publication lays out a roadmap for Tamil Nadu to lead India’s clean mobility transition.
Click to download the full report here: Accelerating Sustainability: Electrifying Tamil Nadu’s Private Bus Sector
