Haryana is missing EV bus

HARYANA has long established its status as northern India's industrial powerhouse — a state whose growth trajectory has been closely tied to mobility, manufacturing and the rise of the automotive sector: from Gurugram's global car manufacturers to Faridabad's component suppliers and Manesar's industrial belt.

Today, as the nation attempts to shift to electric mobility, Haryana must not remain on the sidelines. The PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) and the nationwide e-Bus Sewa initiative represent public investments in clean mobility and industrial advancement.

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Bihar are leveraging these schemes to attract investments, modernise public transport and pave the way for the next generation of automotive production. But Haryana has inexplicably chosen to abstain. This hesitation reveals a troubling reluctance to embrace an inevitable future. It allows competitors to surge ahead, closing the window for Haryana to capitalise on this critical shift.

The consequences of Haryana's decision are far-reaching. Gurugram and Faridabad are grappling with pollution levels and a significant strain on public transportation. The national e-Bus Sewa scheme presents an opportunity to deploy e-buses, modernise fleets, reduce emissions and enhance daily mobility for millions of commuters. The implications extend into rural and peri-urban areas.

Villages depend on tractors, two-wheelers, shared autos and small commercial vehicles — all of which are poised to transition to electric alternatives in the coming decade. National e-vehicle (EV) initiatives are vital for channelling innovation, subsidies and affordable mobility solutions to these communities. By excluding itself from such programmes, Haryana risks neglecting those populations that stand to gain the most from reduced fuel dependence and lower operating costs.

I would like to highlight the federal implications. India's green transition hinges on a robust partnership between the Central government and the states, relying on mutual assistance and coordinated efforts. E-DRIVE gives states considerable latitude for local adaptations. Haryana has a golden opportunity to tailor its participation to enhance its industrial clusters, technical universities and the job market. Furthermore, Haryana could leverage its existing transport utilities to spearhead clean mobility projects under e-Bus Sewa, modernising fleets in Gurugram, Faridabad, Rohtak, Panipat and Hisar.

The competitive landscape among states amplifies the urgency of this situation. Tamil Nadu and Gujarat are already leading destinations for global EV investors, while Maharashtra positions itself as a hub for battery alliances and next-generation auto manufacturing. These states are skillfully integrating national EV programmes into their local industrial policies to capture foreign investment and secure long-term commitments. Haryana's inaction conveys uncertainty to investors, which can impact their decisions on where to establish new factories, research and development centres or supplier networks.

It is crucial to recognise that the EV transition embodies a clear mandate for industrial foresight. The longer Haryana hesitates, the narrower its window of opportunity becomes.