In an exciting leap toward green mobility, Kerala is set to introduce 950 ‘metro-like’ electric buses equipped with automated fare systems. These eco-friendly vehicles are part of the PM’s e-Bus Seva program, aiming to bring 10,000 electric buses to 169 cities through a public-private partnership (PPP) approach.
Kerala Electric Fleet Arrives
- Kerala will receive a total of 950 e-buses to serve 10 cities.
- The fleet includes 12-meter and 9-meter low-floor electric buses, catering to different urban needs.
- Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi will each welcome 150 of these state-of-the-art e-buses.
An Inclusive Package
- To complement the e-buses, professional drivers will be provided, and the government will cover fuel expenses.
- Charging infrastructure will be established with central support.
- The state will contribute a portion of its revenue to the Centre based on the kilometers traveled by these green buses.
- Even after meeting these expenses, the state anticipates a profit of ₹10–₹15 per km.
Efficiency and Collaboration
- The 9-meter buses will cover a minimum of 160 kilometers, while the 12-meter ones will travel 180 km.
- A dedicated committee led by the State Chief Secretary will collaborate with the Centre to expedite the allocation process.
- Top Transport Department officials will soon convene to discuss the proposed initiatives.
Building on Success
- Kerala’s previous batch of 60 new electric buses, introduced under the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation’s Smart City project, set the stage for this larger rollout.
- These new buses, inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, represent a step forward in Kerala’s commitment to sustainable urban transport.
- A total of 113 new electric buses will enhance the city’s existing e-bus fleet.
Community-Centric Routes
- The routes for the new buses were meticulously planned, taking into account input from KSRTC representatives and public opinion.
Kerala’s ambitious move toward sustainable urban transport aligns with broader national efforts to reduce emissions and promote eco-friendly mobility options. With these ‘metro-like’ e-buses and automated fare systems, Kerala is poised to lead the way in green transportation.
Source : curlytales
