Nagpur, 20 October 2026: SWITCH Mobility Ltd, a global leader in electric buses and light commercial vehicles and part of the Hinduja Group, and light commercial vehicles, and PURPLE BUS, one of India’s leading intercity mobility operators, today launched the region’s first electric bus service the new Nagpur–Chandrapur route, extending the operator’s intercity network further into Vidarbha. The special occasion was marked by a flag-off of the first batch of six units of the 50 EiV12m intercity electric bus order for the Vidarbha region deployments by Purple Bus, in the presence of Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, Shri Nitin Gadkari.
The inauguration has been Umed to coincide with Dussehra, a day widely regarded as auspicious for new beginnings, reflecting SWITCH Mobility’s continued commitment to safe, reliable and sustainable public transport across the region. The new route is expected to improve connectivity between the two cities, offering commuters a safe, comfortable and environment-friendly mode of travel.
This marks SWITCH Mobility’s third intercity deployment with Prasanna Purple Mobility Solutions this year, following the flag-off of electric coaches on the Mumbai–Pune & Dombivli-Pune routes in April 2026 and October 2026 respectively, one of India’s busiest travel corridors. The continued partnership reflects growing confidence among operators in electric buses for high-frequency intercity routes, and underlines SWITCH Mobility’s expanding role in powering India’s shift toward sustainable intercity travel.
On the launch of the new route, Mr. Ganesh Mani, Chief Executive Officer, SWITCH Mobility, said, “Nagpur and Chandrapur share a close economic and cultural relationship, and strengthening this corridor with our partner Prasanna Purple Mobility Solutions is an important step in our mission to build future-ready public transport across India. Following our deployment on the Mumbai – Pune route earlier this year, we are glad to extend this partnership to Vidarbha and to contribute to the region’s growth by supporting the everyday movement of the people who depend on it. This launch reaffirms our commitment to sustainable, people-first mobility solutions in Maharashtra and beyond.”
Mr. Saurabh Patwadhan, Director, PURPLE BUS, said, “At PURPLE BUS, our goal is to make electric the default way people travel between cities, not the exception. We are building that future route by route, from Mumbai–Pune, one of India’s busiest corridors, to Nagpur–Chandrapur, where we now bring Vidarbha its first electric bus service. Our fleet has already covered more than one million kilometres (10 lakh km) in electric intercity operations, and the data shows what many operators doubted: electric coaches deliver a lower total cost of ownership and a lower cost per passenger-kilometre than diesel. Our partnership with SWITCH Mobility has been central to proving that, and it gives us the confidence to scale sustainable intercity mobility across Maharashtra.”
Strengthening Public Mobility in Vidarbha
The Nagpur–Chandrapur route adds to SWITCH Mobility’s growing partnership with Prasanna Purple Mobility Solutions and reinforces the company’s broader vision of enabling accessible, zero-emission public transport in India’s cities and towns. By connecting key centres within the Vidarbha region, the initiative is expected to ease daily commutes, support local economic activity and advance the shift toward cleaner intercity mobility.
The SWITCH EiV12m intercity coach combines performance, efficiency, and passenger comfort, and is purpose-built for long-distance travel. It features 45 pushback seats, a range of 350 km per charge, and fast-charging capability, enabling efficient operations for long-haul intercity journeys. With advanced safety systems, a quiet ride experience, and SWITCH iON connected technology for real-time monitoring, the coach is designed to deliver a reliable and comfortable intercity travel experience.
About SWITCH Mobility
SWITCH Mobility, a part of the Hinduja Group, is a global electric bus and light commercial vehicle manufacturer committed to advancing green mobility. Formed by leveraging the engineering expertise of the Indian powerhouse Ashok Leyland, SWITCH seamlessly integrates the very best innovators and cutting-edge technology to deliver unrivalled product choices on a global scale. Since inception, SWITCH has put over 3000+ eBuses on the road, clocking up over 200+ million kilometres globally. SWITCH Mobility’s electric light commercial vehicle – the SWITCH IeV Series – is transforming last-mile logistics with currently over 3000+ eLCVs on the road driven by urban delivery demands and operational efficiencies.
SWITCH Mobility’s accomplishments are underscored by numerous awards, such as Most Trusted Brand of India, L&ICV People Mover of the Year, Star Electric Bus of the Year, Sustainability Award, and the Special Application of the Year Award for the EiV 22 TOURIST Hop on Hop Off Bus at the Apollo CV Awards. Recognised as a Great Place to Work.
About Hinduja Group:
The Hinduja Group is a 111-year-old transnational conglomerate with over 250,000 employees across 100 countries. Founded in 1914 by Late Shri Parmanand Deepchand Hinduja, the Group has evolved into one of India’s most respected diversified business houses, with a leadership in automotive and mobility, banking and financial services, IT and digital solutions, energy and healthcare. Through its enterprises, the Group has contributed to India’s industrial evolution and economic progress while building strong global partnerships and market presence worldwide. Anchored in robust governance, disciplined risk management and long-term value creation, the Hinduja Group is guided by its enduring credo, “My Dharma is to work so that I can give,” reflecting a legacy that combines global enterprise with nation-building and community commitment.
Learn more about Hinduja Group on https://www.hindujagroup.com/ Instagram and Facebook: @HindujaGroup
About Prasanna Purple:
With a fleet of 1,000+ buses, PAN-India operations, and 7 lakh passengers served daily, PURPLE BUS is a leading force in India’s passenger mobility sector.
Backed by over 40 years of operational experience, the group delivers integrated mobility solutions across intercity travel, city bus services, employee transportation, and school bus operations. It is also at the forefront of India’s intercity electric mobility segment, with 84+ electric intercity coaches currently in operation and plans to scale its fleet to 300 coaches over the next two years.
Through reliable, technology-driven transportation solutions, PURPLE BUS continues to connect people, businesses, and communities across India.
