In the near future, Kerala streets will be covered by ‘metro-like’ e-buses that use automatic fare systems that are fueled by green energy. The buses are a part of the PM’s e-Bus Seva programme, which will use a public-private partnership (PPP) approach to furnish 169 cities with 10,000 electric buses.
Kerala To Get 950 E-Buses!
Soon, 950 e-buses would be provided to 10 cities in Kerala. The 12-metre and 9-metre low-floor electric buses will be divided into two kinds. Kerala has made its wish known, mostly for the 12-metre buses. Each of the cities of Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi would get 150 buses.
Under the plan, drivers will also be provided in addition to the buses and the government would meet the fuel expenses. Charging stations will be available from the Centre. Additionally, based on the number of kilometres travelled, the State must send the Centre a portion of its revenue. After paying the Centre’s share and covering all other costs, the completed package provides the State with a profit of ₹10–₹15 per km.
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Each nine-metre bus must travel a minimum of 160 kilometres, while the 12-metre bus must go 180 km. To cooperate with the Centre and speed up the process of allocating the buses, a committee headed by the State Chief Secretary would be established. Top Transport Department officials would gather in the coming days to consider the different initiatives proposed by the Centre, according to Transport Minister Antony Raju.
The Earlier Batch Of Electric Vehicles
In August, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) SWIFT, a new legal entity created under the corporation for the centralised operation of long-distance buses and electric buses under Thiruvananthapuram Corporation’s Smart City project, officially handed over 60 new electric buses. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan officiated the ceremony. Minister of Transport Antony Raju the Chief Minister gave me the buses.
A total of 113 new electric buses will be added to the city’s existing fleet of e-buses, the first batch of which consisted of 60 vehicles for the price of ₹104 crore.
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Additionally, the routes of new buses were decided upon after discussions with KSRTC representatives and a public opinion poll.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia
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