Uttar Pradesh launches trial run of emission-free AC buses — with no extra fare
Equipped with CCTV cameras, air conditioned system, and free from noise and air pollution, these buses are being touted as a major attempt to make way for electric public transport in the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating a similar electric bus launch in New Delhi. (File)
As part of the country’s FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) scheme that is aimed at providing incentives for electric vehicles, the Uttar Pradesh government today, on July 20, launched the trial run of emission-free buses in state capital Lucknow. Following the successful completion of the trial run, these buses would be launched in 14 cities across the state.
It is reported that while 11 cities, including Lucknow, Allahabad and Varanasi, will have buses run by the Centre, three other cities— Gorakhpur, Shahjahanpur and Mathura will have buses financed and run by the state government.
Equipped with CCTV cameras, air conditioned system, and free from noise and air pollution, these buses are being touted as a major attempt to make way for electric public transport in the state.
The total outlay for the scheme in the state has been stated to be Rs 965 crore.
Also Read: Electric vehicles, carpooling and policy changes suggested to improve air quality in Maharashtra
Earlier in May, Maharashtra had laid emphasis on modifying the highways in order to increase electric vehicle sales by 2025.
With an aim to ensure that at least 10 per cent of the newly registered vehicles in the next four years in the ‘major’ cities would be electric, a senior Maharashtra government official showcased the draft of its Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy, 2021 on May 27.
“The share of EVs (electric vehicles) in new vehicle registrations across the state in 2025 is expected to be 10% for all vehicles, 10% for 2-wheelers, 20% for 3-wheelers, and 5% for 4-wheelers,” the press release stated.
As per the draft, it is planned that 15 per cent of the existing fleet of 18,000 Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses will be converted into electric vehicles over the next five years. Also, the major highways in the state are expected to be equipped with charging facilities for electric vehicles.