Launch of Electric Coaches on Nagpur-Chandrapur Route
Purple Bus and Switch Mobility unveil electric intercity bus service connecting Nagpur and Chandrapur, marking a significant step in sustainable transport.
Six electric coaches launched as part of a 50-vehicle order.
Service inaugurated on October 20, 2026, by Minister Nitin Gadkari.
Coaches feature 45 seats and a range of 350 km per charge.
On October 20, 2026, an electric intercity bus service was inaugurated between Nagpur and Chandrapur, India, by Purple Bus in collaboration with Switch Mobility. This launch marks the introduction of the first private electric intercity bus service in the Vidarbha region, with the initial deployment consisting of six Switch EiV12m electric coaches. The event was attended by Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways.
The partnership between Purple Bus and Switch Mobility aims to enhance public transportation in Maharashtra, particularly in the Vidarbha area. The electric coaches were delivered as part of a larger order of 50 vehicles, which are intended to operate across various routes in the region. This initiative follows previous successful deployments of electric intercity coaches on the Mumbai–Pune corridor earlier in 2026.
The Switch EiV12m coaches are designed for long-distance travel, featuring 45 reclining pushback seats and a driving range of 350 kilometers on a single charge. Although the specifics of the charging infrastructure have not been disclosed, the coaches support fast charging capabilities. This development is part of a broader trend of electrification in India's public transport sector, which has seen significant growth in electric bus deployments.
The introduction of this service is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and environment by reducing carbon emissions associated with traditional diesel buses. Purple Bus reports that its electric fleet has already surpassed one million kilometers in operation, demonstrating the viability and cost-effectiveness of electric coaches compared to their diesel counterparts.
Looking ahead, the remaining 44 vehicles from the order are yet to be delivered, and operational schedules for the new route are still to be finalized. The launch of the Nagpur–Chandrapur service represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to promote sustainable transportation solutions in India, with both companies committed to expanding their electric bus networks across the state of Maharashtra.
