Towards an electric push: Delhi govt flags off 150 electric buses & free travel, plans to deploy 2,000 within an year
The AAP govt has allocated Rs 1,862 crore for this project.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today flaged off 150 electric buses. “Please take care of them, don't make them dirty," PTI quoted CM Arvind Kejriwal.
“We launched 150 buses today, 150 more would be added next month. We aim to launch over 2000 such buses within a year. Over the next 10 years, ₹1862 crore is being spent by Delhi govt, Centre is giving 150 crores for this," said Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.
The chief minister flagged off the buses from the Indraprastha depot and boarded one of them to reach the Rajghat bus depot. He was accompanied by Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot and chief secretary Naresh Kumar.
The people of Delhi will be able to travel free of cost for three days starting from May 24 to May 26 in the electric buses plying on the roads of Delhi. These buses emit zero smoke, have CCTV cameras, GPS, 10 panic buttons, ramps for differently-abled, etc.
And as the nation-wide electric push continues, Olectra Greentech Limited has bagged a Rs 3,675 crore order of 2,100 electric buses from the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport (BEST). This is claimed to be the biggest order (Letter of Award) in Indian electric mobility history.
This order is to supply 2,100 electric buses on the Gross Cost Contract (GCC)/Opex model for a period of 12 years. The EVEY shall procure these 2,100 electric buses either directly by itself or through its special purpose vehicle from Olectra Greentech Limited.
“Running the largest electric bus fleet in India’s financial capital is a matter of pride. We will deliver the buses as per the schedule and will give the best commuting experience to the citizens of Mumbai," said K.V. Pradeep, Chairman and Managing Director, Olectra.