Chartered Speed and EKA Mobility to deploy 1,750 electric buses in Bengaluru under PM E-Drive

Chartered Speed Limited, a passenger bus mobility services provider, and EKA Mobility, an electric commercial vehicle manufacturer and technology company, have secured a Letter of Confirmation of Quantity (LOCQ) to deploy 1,750 electric buses in Bengaluru under the Government of India’s PM E-Drive Scheme. The deployment is intended to support the expansion of electric public transport in the city.

The allocation accounts for around 39% of Bengaluru’s planned induction of 4,500 electric buses under the scheme. The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has been adding electric buses as part of its public transport operations, aligned with Karnataka’s clean mobility initiatives and the Government of India’s decarbonisation goals.

Chartered Speed Limited stated that it follows safety measures for its electric vehicle operations, including preventive maintenance, battery health monitoring, and driver training. Under the partnership, Chartered Speed will handle operations while EKA Mobility will contribute vehicle manufacturing and technology support, with the aim of providing urban transport services for commuters in Bengaluru.

Mr. Sanyam Gandhi, Whole-Time Director, Chartered Speed Limited, said, “Bengaluru is a key mobility hub in India, and electric buses are part of the efforts to build a cleaner and more efficient public transport system. The PM E-Drive allocation strengthens Chartered Speed Limited’s long-term commitment to sustainable mass mobility. As one of the early adopters of e-mobility, we aim to convert around 25% of our fleet to electric by Fiscal 2027, supported by strong infrastructure investments to deliver commuter-centric services aimed at lasting socio-economic impact.”

Mr. Rohit Srivastava, Business Head & Chief Growth Officer, EKA Mobility, said, “The PM E-Drive initiative is a powerful enabler of India’s electric mobility vision, and Bengaluru’s large-scale adoption of electric buses sets a strong benchmark for urban transport transformation. At EKA Mobility, we are proud to partner with Chartered Speed and contribute to Bengaluru’s journey towards a more sustainable urban future. It is not just about scale, but about creating cleaner mobility solutions, quieter streets, and a better daily commute for millions.”

Earlier in 2025, Chartered Speed was awarded the deployment of over 1,000 electric buses under the Government of India’s Pradhan Mantri e-Bus Sewa Scheme.

Established in 2010, Chartered Speed Limited operates inter-city and intra-city bus services across six states, with a fleet of over 2,000 buses and a reported daily ridership of 3.5 lakh passengers. The company has filed a DRHP with SEBI on September 4, 2025 for a proposed IPO, subject to approvals and market conditions.

EKA (Pinnacle Mobility Solutions Pvt. Ltd.), backed by Pinnacle Industries, Mitsui & Co., and VDL Groep, develops electric commercial vehicle solutions.

Also read: EKA Mobility & Chartered Speed to deploy 675 electric buses across Rajasthan