RSRTC Floats Tender Again for Electric Bus Fleet

Post by : Amit

A Persistent Push for Electric Mobility

The Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) has floated a tender for the third time to procure electric buses. The move underscores the state’s continued ambition to join India’s EV revolution—but also highlights the considerable obstacles that have stalled progress so far. With previous tenders receiving limited or no response from bidders, RSRTC now faces mounting pressure to turn intent into action.

The latest tender seeks to acquire 100 electric buses as part of the state’s effort to modernize its public transport network and reduce carbon emissions in urban areas such as Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, and Udaipur. However, the repeated failure to onboard suppliers reveals deeper systemic and logistical challenges in Rajasthan’s electric mobility strategy.

Earlier Tenders Failed to Attract Vendors

This is not the first time RSRTC has tried to bring electric buses to the streets. The first and second tenders, floated in the past two years, either failed to attract bidders or fell through during technical evaluation stages. Sources within the corporation cite several factors behind the lackluster response: high upfront costs, insufficient charging infrastructure, and unclear policy incentives.

EV manufacturers, especially those with smaller operational bases, have reportedly expressed hesitation about scaling operations in Rajasthan due to its sparse charging ecosystem and complex route demands across desert terrain.

In addition, the absence of long-term state subsidies, service guarantees, or robust maintenance contracts has made many bidders wary of entering into agreements that could prove unviable over time.

New Tender Includes Revised Terms and Expanded Scope

Learning from past setbacks, RSRTC’s latest tender reportedly includes several revised terms to make participation more attractive. These include clearer payment timelines, the possibility of leasing instead of direct purchase, and increased collaboration with charging infrastructure providers.

The state transport department has also initiated dialogue with multiple private charging firms to ensure that new EV depots and fast-charging stations are built in tandem with fleet procurement.

If successful, the buses will be deployed in phases, starting with high-traffic corridors in Jaipur and then expanding to tier-2 cities. The goal is not only to cut emissions but also to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, improve service quality, and align with national mobility goals under the FAME II scheme.

Rajasthan’s Urban Transport Needs a Green Overhaul

Rajasthan’s urban centres are facing increasing vehicular pollution, growing congestion, and rising fuel costs. Cities like Jaipur and Jodhpur have seen a spike in daily commute times, and RSRTC buses, many of which run on aging diesel engines, are struggling to meet commuter expectations.

The shift to electric buses is therefore not just a climate necessity but also a public service upgrade. Electric buses promise quieter, smoother rides with reduced operational costs and minimal environmental impact. However, for that promise to materialize, the procurement and deployment model needs to be both economically and operationally sustainable.

Currently, less than 1% of RSRTC’s fleet consists of electric vehicles, placing it far behind progressive states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Delhi, which have already begun integrating EVs into their bus systems on a significant scale.

High Costs, Infrastructure Gaps Remain Barriers

Despite the urgency, multiple challenges remain. The capital cost of each electric bus can be more than double that of a conventional diesel bus, often ranging between ₹1 crore to ₹1.5 crore depending on specifications. Without adequate subsidies or financial structuring, this remains a heavy burden on state finances.

Further, Rajasthan’s existing public transport infrastructure is not EV-ready. Many bus depots lack power capacity upgrades, and charging stations are limited to pilot projects in a few areas. This not only restricts fleet operation hours but also puts operational viability at risk in regions where long intercity routes demand quick turnaround times.

These infrastructure bottlenecks continue to deter potential suppliers who fear that their fleets may be underutilized or face high maintenance downtimes.

Government Under Pressure to Deliver on Green Mobility Goals

With the Centre pushing for EV penetration under schemes like FAME II and the draft Electric Mobility Policy for states, Rajasthan’s delays are drawing scrutiny. The third tender is now seen as a make-or-break moment for RSRTC’s green mobility plans.

If it fails again, the state risks falling behind on its commitments, both to the environment and to commuters who are increasingly demanding cleaner and more efficient transport alternatives.

Already, public dissatisfaction is rising due to irregularities in the existing bus schedules, fuel cost-linked fare hikes, and outdated buses—many of which are over a decade old and lack even basic passenger amenities.

Public-Private Collaboration Key to Success

Experts argue that RSRTC’s success with EVs hinges on public-private partnerships that go beyond just procurement. These must include long-term service contracts, training programs for drivers and maintenance staff, and digital fleet management systems.

Other states have adopted the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model, where private operators provide and maintain buses while the state pays per kilometer of operation. Rajasthan may have to explore similar models to distribute risk, lower upfront costs, and ensure operational efficiency.

Moreover, funding from multilateral agencies like the World Bank and ADB could be tapped to create a financial buffer and attract top-tier EV manufacturers to Rajasthan.

Time to Turn Plans Into Action

The third tender floated by RSRTC is more than an administrative step—it’s a litmus test for Rajasthan’s commitment to future-ready public transport. With cities growing, air quality deteriorating, and climate deadlines looming, electric buses are not a luxury but a necessity.

Whether the state can finally push past its earlier roadblocks will depend on how well it can integrate financial incentives, infrastructure readiness, and policy support. For now, all eyes are on the outcome of this tender—and the hope that this time, Rajasthan’s electric mobility dream finally hits the road.

Rsrtc, Electric Bus, Rajasthan, Jaipur