VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Ministry of Transport and the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) have announced another step in upgrading the country’s public mobility services, with a contract signed in India for the procurement of 14 new buses, including the first electric models in the public fleet.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday September 17, 2025 with Ashok Leyland for 12 Large Capacity Ashok Leyland Viking 210 NAC buses and two Switch Mobility EiV9 electric buses. It was signed by SPTC chairman Andy Moncherry in the presence of chief executive Geffy Zialor and head of technical engineering Ryen Samson, following final technical discussions with the manufacturer.
The contract, valued at US$ 1,500,000, is being financed by the government of Seychelles under the Development Grant for Public Enterprises, with delivery of the buses expected during the first quarter of 2026. ‘The introduction of the two electric buses marks the beginning of a larger Electric Mobility Project under SPTC, which seeks to reduce carbon emissions and strengthen Seychelles’ transition towards cleaner, more sustainable public transport,’ a joint communique stated.
Transport Minister Antony Derjacques said the development demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving mobility services while addressing climate change. ‘These new buses show that Seychelles is serious about embracing innovation, sustainability, and resilience. This is not just an investment in buses – it is an investment in the future of our nation’s transport and in the quality of life of our citizens,’ he said. The buses will initially operate on a pilot basis to inform a future scaling-up of electric mobility in the country.
