Asia | Mobilized News Network

India: Bengaluru is set to expand its bus fleet by adding 4,500 electric buses under the PM e-Drive scheme, increasing the total fleet to over 10,000. This move aims to address the city’s growing public transport demand and promote sustainable urban mobility.
Philippines: The Davao Public Transport Modernization Project is underway, planning a 672-kilometer bus network with over 1,100 buses, including approximately 400 electric units. This project aims to modernize public transportation in Davao City and is expected to commence partial operations in 2026.
Thailand: The proposed Joint Ticket Management Act seeks to unify ticketing systems across Bangkok’s diverse public transit modes, including trains, buses, and boats. The bill aims to simplify commuting and reduce fares, with implementation expected to begin in mid-2025.

Asia-Pacific Region: The Asian Development Bank emphasizes the need for significant upgrades to the region’s power grids to support the energy transition. Modernizing grid infrastructure is crucial for integrating renewable energy sources and ensuring reliable electricity supply.
Philippines: The EDSA Carousel bus system in Metro Manila is undergoing improvements, including station upgrades and the construction of new concourses. Plans to privatize operations have been postponed to 2026–2027 to prioritize these enhancements.

Asia: The 2025 Region Smart City Awards are currently accepting submissions, focusing on innovative paradigms in smart city development across Asia.
Thailand: During the Economist Impact’s 4th annual Sustainability Week Asia 2025, a panel discussion highlighted the importance of creating circular cities. Experts emphasized the need for multifaceted approaches to adopt circular economy principles in urban planning.

Vietnam: The government has initiated a plan to restructure administrative units, aiming to reduce the number of local government units at the provincial and communal levels by around 50%. This reform seeks to streamline governance and improve efficiency.
Uzbekistan: The World Bank has approved a $35 million concessional credit to support Uzbekistan in enhancing the availability and use of geospatial data. This initiative aims to improve digital public service delivery and advance territorial development.