Following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce fuel consumption, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Thursday (May 14) announced its first hydrogen-powered shuttle bus service. The service will run in the Central Vista area, starting Friday, that is, May 15. Scroll down to know more.
Delhi Offers Hydrogen-Powered Shuttle Bus
As per a report by NDTV, the shuttle service will offer last-mile connectivity between the Central Secretariat and Seva Teerth metro stations and key government offices located in the Central Vista region while minimising dependency on private vehicles. The Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has offered two hydrogen-fuelled buses to DMRC, with each bus having a seating capacity of 35 passengers. The buses come fully equipped with GPS-based tracking and CCTV systems for real-time monitoring.
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While DMRC will look after the bus operations, conductors, passenger support and ticketing, IOCL will offer drivers and hydrogen fuel support. Commuters can use the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), UPI, and cash payment options to buy tickets priced at ₹10 and ₹15.
Bus Timings, Landmarks & More
The hydrogen shuttle bus will operate from Monday to Friday, excluding Gazetted Holidays. The timings for the buses will be from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. The bus frequency will be one bus every 30 minutes.
Buses will operate in both clockwise and anti-clockwise routes, covering the following important landmarks:
- Kartavya Bhawan
- Vigyan Bhawan
- Nirman Bhawan
- Akbar Road
- Baroda House
- National Stadium
- National Gallery of Modern Arts
- India Gate
- Seva Teerth Metro Station
PM Modi’s Appeal To Cut Down Fuel
DMRC’s declaration comes days after PM Modi’s appeal to lower fuel consumption, halt gold purchases, and limit overseas travel to safeguard foreign exchange reserves and lessen the impact of the ongoing Middle East crisis.
As per reports, 50% of India’s crude imports, 60% of liquefied natural gas (LNG), and close to all of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies pass through Hormuz. Rising fuel prices are threatening to widen India’s trade gap and current account deficit. The rupee is also facing a blow, trading near an all-time low against the dollar.
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Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
Is a shuttle bus in Delhi Airport free?
Yes, the inter-terminal shuttle bus at Delhi Airport is free, but it is strictly for passengers with valid connecting flights.