UPSRTC to add 250 electric buses in its fleet to improve intercity commute

With a strong commitment to transform the conventional public transportation system, the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) is diligently advancing towards the introduction of electric buses for intercity commute. In its initial phase, the department envisions the deployment of a pioneering fleet of 250 electric buses across the state. The move further aligns with India's ambitious Net Zero Emission mission by 2070.

Under the first phase of implementation, the state government plans to introduce a fleet of buses that will establish crucial links between various prominent religious centers. The initial focus will be on establishing e-bus connectivity between the state capital and revered destinations such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, Chitrakoot, Prayagraj and others.

For the implementation of the plan UPSRTC has further sent a letter to the centre seeking grant under the FAME-II scheme for the procurement of buses.

Masoom Ali Sarwar, the Managing Director of UPSRTC, said "A request letter has been submitted to the central government on behalf of the Transportation Department, urging for subsidies in the procurement of electric buses. The cost of electric buses is currently around ₹1 crore per bus, and with the potential subsidy, they could be made available at ₹60 lakh."

"Upon receiving the necessary approvals, UPSRTC will plan to initiate the tendering process for procurement and subsequently commencing the operation of the buses."

Besides this, UPSRTC will also set up exclusive charging stations in various districts for these buses. Stations are slated to be established at the following bus terminals:

Alambagh, Charbagh, Avadh, Gorakhpur, Ballia, Azamgarh, Bareilly, Kanpur, Najibabad, Kathgodam, Khatauli, Gadhmukteshwar, Govardhan, Jaysinghpura, Vrindavan, Kosi, Rampur and Hapur.