What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: In what could be seen as a mega push for green mobility in the National Capital, the Delhi government is planning to roll out 2000 electric buses within a year, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Tuesday.
The announcement came a day after The New Indian published a report about Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport (BEST) placing an order of 2100 electric buses.
At a time when India is looking forward to lessening its dependency on fossil fuels while pushing for greener alternatives, the news should come as a big boost to the green energy sector.
“We aim to launch over 2000 such buses within a year. Over the next 10 years, Rs 1862 crore will be spent by Delhi government, Centre is giving Rs 150 crores for this,” Kejriwal said while flagging off a fleet of 150 battery-powered buses on Tuesday. He also said that another 150 buses will be added next month.
ALSO READ: Mumbai’s BEST Goes Electric; Orders 2,100 Buses Worth Rs 3,675 Cr
Kejriwal and Delhi’s Transport and Environment Minister Kailash Gehlot also inaugurated three depots for electric buses that are equipped with charging stations. These three depots are in Mundela Kalan, Rajghat and Rohini Sector 37.
“We inaugurated three charging depots today and their cost is approximately Rs 150 crore. Many more charging depots are under process,” Kejriwal said.
To attract the public, free travel will be provided on these buses for three days, from May 24 to 26. The government also urged people to ride its E-buses and take a selfie and then post it on social media with hashtags #IrideEbus. The top three entries will have a chance to win an Ipad.
“Delhi’s bus capacity is almost 11,000 buses and from today we have approx. 7200 buses now. This is the largest number of buses on the roads of Delhi in history,” Kejriwal said.
The new buses will run on route 502 between Mori Gate and Mehrauli Terminal and the IP Depot – Connaught Place – Safdarjung – South Extension – Ashram – Jangpura – India Gate route.
These 150 new buses are fully equipped with CCTV cameras, GPS, 10 panic buttons and ramps for differently-abled among a host of other features.
