Electric Buses Return to Kolkata After 5 Years, First PMI Foton E-Bus Joins WBTC Fleet

Kolkata has taken a fresh step towards sustainable urban mobility with the induction of a new electric bus into its public transport system. A PMI Foton e-bus has officially joined the fleet of the West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC), marking the return of electric buses to the city after nearly five years.

This newly added bus is the first of a planned fleet of 20 e-buses that are expected to be introduced in phases. While the number may appear limited, the move signals that the state government has not completely moved away from its commitment to electric mobility.

Electric buses play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions, lowering noise pollution, and improving overall air quality, an increasingly important priority for rapidly growing urban centres like Kolkata. With several Indian cities aggressively expanding their electric public transport infrastructure, this development places Kolkata back on the map in the transition towards greener alternatives.

Though not a large-scale rollout yet, this addition is a positive indicator of intent. It reflects a cautious but meaningful revival of electric public transport in the city.

As Kolkata continues to evolve, initiatives like these could pave the way for a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future for its residents.