Switch Mobility Limited, part of the Hinduja Group and a global manufacturer of electric buses and light commercial vehicles, has partnered with intercity mobility operator Purple Bus to launch an electric bus service on the Nagpur-Chandrapur route in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra.
The launch was marked by flagging off the first batch of six Switch EIV12M intercity electric buses, part of an order of 50 buses placed by Purple Bus for deployment in the Vidarbha region. On this occasion, Honorable Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, Shri Nitin Gadkari was present.
The new service expands Purple Bus’ intercity network and is a step towards expanding electric mobility in regional passenger transport. This deployment is expected to aid the adoption of electric buses on intercity routes while strengthening sustainable mobility options for passengers traveling in Vidarbha.
Its inauguration is timed to coincide with Dussehra, a day widely considered 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, providing passengers a safe, comfortable and eco-friendly way of travelling.
This is the third intercity deployment of Switch Mobility with Prasanna Purple Mobility Solutions, following the flag-off of electric coaches on the Mumbai-Pune and Dombivli-Pune routes in April 2026 and October 2026 respectively, in one of India’s busiest travel corridors. The continued partnership reflects the growing confidence among operators in electric buses for high-frequency intercity routes, and underlines Switch Mobility’s growing role in powering India’s transition towards 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 create future-ready public transportation across India. Following our deployment on the Mumbai – Pune route earlier this year, we are excited to expand this partnership in Vidarbha and by supporting everyday commuting Happy to contribute to the growth of the region and those who depend on it, this launch reaffirms our commitment towards sustainable, people-first mobility solutions in Maharashtra and beyond.
Mr. Saurabh Patvadhan, Director, Purple Bus, said, “At Purple Bus, our goal is to make electric the default way for people to travel between cities, not the exception. We are building the route of the future from Mumbai-Pune to Nagpur-Chandrapur, one of India’s busiest corridors, where we are now bringing Vidarbha its first electric bus service. Our fleet has already covered over one million kilometers (10 lakh km) in electric intercity operation Our partnership with Switch Mobility has been central to proving that electric coaches offer lower total cost of ownership and lower costs per passenger-kilometre than diesel, and the data shows what many operators suspected: electric coaches offer lower total cost of ownership and lower costs per passenger-kilometre than diesel, and it gives us the confidence to drive 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 transportation in India’s cities and towns. By connecting key hubs within the Vidarbha region, the initiative is expected to ease daily commute, support local economic activity and drive the shift towards clean intercity mobility.
The SWITCH EiV12m intercity coach combines performance, efficiency and passenger comfort, and is purpose-built for long distance travel. It has 45 pushback seats, a range of 350 km per charge and fast-charging capability, enabling efficient operation for long-distance intercity trips. With advanced safety systems, a serene ride experience and Switch iON connected technology for real-time monitoring, the coach is designed to offer a reliable and comfortable intercity travel experience.