SWITCH Mobility and PURPLE BUS Launch Vidarbha’s First Private Electric Intercity Service
SWITCH Mobility and PURPLE BUS have launched the Nagpur-Chandrapur electric bus service.
Marks the first electric intercity bus service in the Vidarbha region.
Major Deployment Milestone
- First batch of 6 electric buses flagged off.
- Part of a larger order of 50 SWITCH EiV12m electric intercity coaches for Vidarbha operations.
- Launch attended by Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari.
Expanding Sustainable Intercity Travel
Third intercity electric bus deployment between SWITCH Mobility and PURPLE BUS in 2026.
Previous routes:
- Mumbai-Pune (April 2026)
- Dombivli-Pune (October 2026)
Benefits for Vidarbha
- Improves connectivity between Nagpur and Chandrapur.
- Provides a safer, cleaner and more comfortable travel option.
- Expected to support regional mobility and local economic growth.
Industry Commitment
Ganesh Mani, CEO, SWITCH Mobility
- Highlighted the importance of strengthening the Nagpur-Chandrapur corridor.
- Reaffirmed the company's focus on sustainable and people-centric public transport solutions.
Saurabh Patwadhan, Director, PURPLE BUS
- Stated the goal of making electric travel the preferred choice for intercity journeys.
- Noted that the company's electric fleet has already crossed 1 million kilometres (10 lakh km) of operations.
Cost & Sustainability Advantages
- Electric coaches have demonstrated:
- Lower total cost of ownership
- Lower cost per passenger-kilometre compared to diesel buses
- Supports Maharashtra's transition towards cleaner mobility.
About the SWITCH EiV12m Coach
Performance
- Range: Up to 350 km per charge
- Fast-charging capability for intercity operations
Passenger Comfort
- 45 pushback seats
- Quiet and comfortable ride experience
Technology & Safety
- Advanced safety systems
- SWITCH iON connected technology
- Real-time vehicle monitoring and fleet management
Key Takeaway
The launch of the Nagpur-Chandrapur route represents a significant step in expanding electric intercity transportation in Maharashtra, strengthening sustainable mobility in the Vidarbha region while demonstrating the commercial viability of electric coaches for long-distance travel.
