Road Transport Minister Advocates Flash Charging Electric Bus System for Highways

Gadkari’s Vision for Sustainable Transport

Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has called for the rollout of a flash-charging electric articulated bus system on India’s expanding highway network. Speaking at the 24th Darbari Seth Memorial Lecture organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Gadkari said, “It is essential to transform the public transport system in the country…With new highways connecting the cities seamlessly, I wish to establish a new public transportation system.”

How the Technology Works

The system relies on fully automated flash-charging stations installed at bus stops. These stations allow quick top-ups within seconds, while passengers get on and off, removing the need for lengthy charging breaks at depots. The model is designed for continuous operations, making it ideal for high-frequency and intercity routes.

Companies such as Hitachi Energy and Siemens have developed the technology and onboard traction systems for commercial vehicle fleets. Their solution supports high-capacity operations and reduces the dependence on conventional charging hubs.

Affordable and Scalable Alternative

Gadkari highlighted that the capital cost of the system is far lower than that of metro rail projects. He also noted that the fare would be nearly 30 per cent less than a diesel bus, making the service both cost-efficient and eco-friendly.

On routes like Delhi-Dehradun, Bangalore-Chennai and Delhi-Jaipur, the flash-charging electric bus system could cut travel times further and offer passengers a clean, reliable, and affordable alternative to existing transport.

Nagpur Pilot Project with Tata Motors

Nagpur Municipal Corporation is already running a pilot project with Tata Motors as the official operator and supplier of the articulated, flash-charging electric bus system.

The 18-metre-long electric commercial bus, manufactured at Tata’s Dharwad facility, can carry up to 135 passengers. It comes equipped with air conditioning, infotainment features, and has a top speed of 120 km/h. Hitachi and Siemens are providing the charging infrastructure for the project.

Beyond Buses: Trucks on Highways

The minister also revealed plans to extend this technology to other electric commercial vehicles such as trucks.

“We are also exploring this system for trucks as well. We had a discussion with Siemens recently where it was proposed to lay electric cables along a 10-kilometer stretch of highway, similar to a railway system, and allow a bus to travel 40 kilometers on a single charge. This is expensive, will cost around Rs 8 crore, but we can do it on a build–operate–transfer model,” he said.

Conclusion

The pilot project in Nagpur positions Tata Motors at the forefront of India’s shift to electric commercial buses. With global technology leaders like Siemens and Hitachi supporting the charging network, the initiative could become a model for other cities and highways.

If successful, the flash-charging system may redefine public transport and set the stage for a broader adoption of electric vehicles across India’s commercial transport sector.

For more articles and news, stay updated with 91trucks. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin for the latest videos and updates from the automotive world!