States want e-buses, but manufacturers worry about repayment: Official

States want electric buses for public transport but manufacturers doubt if their road transport undertakings (STUs) will make payments, said a senior civil servant on Thursday.

STUs are subsidised by state governments. “The question is if they are given these services as per the proposed model, will they be able to repay? If the ticket collections are there, will they not go into staff salaries or the general fund of the state government? Will they be used to pay back manufacturers?” said Giridhar Aramane, Union Road Transport and Highways Secretary.