The government is considering reducing the per-unit subsidy for electric buses under the PM E-Drive scheme in order to extend the programme to more cities without increasing the overall budget allocation. Currently, the Centre provides a subsidy ranging from ?20 lakh to ?35 lakh per e-bus, depending on the vehicle's carrying capacity and specifications.

According to the report, Surat, Pune, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru have collectively requested more than 15,000 e-buses. This demand exceeds the scheme's target of subsidising 14,028 e-buses, with a funding support of ?4,391 crore.

A senior official stated that the newly formed Delhi government is anticipated to make a substantial demand for e-buses. Additionally, orders from Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata are also expected. The official mentioned that the government might reduce the per-e-bus subsidy in order to accommodate more cities.