The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), in a major boost to Nashik’s public transport system ahead of Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027, on Tuesday signed a 10-year agreement with JBM Ecolife Mobility Pvt Ltd for deployment of 50 air-conditioned electric buses under the Centre’s PM e-Bus Sewa scheme.The agreement was signed at the civic headquarters. The new fleet is expected to strengthen the city’s public transport network and support the movement of lakhs of devotees and tourists expected to visit Nashik during the Kumbh Mela.
Under the agreement, JBM Ecolife Mobility will procure, operate, maintain and manage the electric buses on a procure-operate-maintain-manage (POMM) basis. The civic body will make payments to the company on a per-kilometre basis, while financial assistance under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme will substantially reduce the burden on the NMC.Civic officials said the project will help improve the reliability and capacity of public transport in the city, which is witnessing growing travel demand due to rapid urban expansion and preparations for Simhastha 2027.
An NMC official, while talking to TOI, said the rate for operating the electric buses has also been finalised.
“The NMC will pay ₹71 per km to the agency for operating electric buses, while the NMC will get a subsidy of ₹24 per km from the Centre. This means it will cost ₹ 45 per km to the civic body to operate 50 electric buses,” the official said.The NMC is already operating the city bus service through its transport wing — Nashik Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (NMPML). Currently, the NMPML is operating 250 city buses, including 200 CNG and 50 diesel buses, from its two depots. These buses are operational on around 60 different routes across the city.
Moreover, the transport utility also operates city buses in rural parts like Trimbakeshwar, Dindori, Sinnar, Ozar, Saikheda, Pimpalgaon, and other locations in rural areas.
The agreement is being viewed as an important step in strengthening Nashik’s transport infrastructure ahead of the mega religious congregation.
