Kerala’s commitment to sustainable transportation receives a significant boost as the state government adds 60 more electric buses to the fleet of the State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). This eco-friendly expansion is part of the ongoing Smart City project and aims to enhance the city’s public transportation infrastructure.
A Greener Commute
- Official Launch: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the new electric bus fleet in a special event held in Thiruvananthapuram. These buses were handed over to Transport Minister Antony Raju, marking a milestone in the state’s eco-friendly urban development initiatives.
- Future Expansion: In his Facebook post, Chief Minister Vijayan revealed plans to introduce 53 more electric buses in the near future, solidifying the state government’s commitment to comprehensive urban development.
A Need for Speed
- High-Speed Transportation: Chief Minister Vijayan emphasized the necessity of a high-speed transportation system in the state. He noted that Kerala’s transportation system’s average speed is 40 percent lower than the national average, highlighting the demand for faster, eco-friendly alternatives.
- Rising Preference: The Chief Minister pointed out the increasing preference for high-speed transportation systems like the Vande Bharat Express, indicating a growing appetite for such options within the state.
Going Fully Green
- Complete Transition: Once all the planned electric buses are added to the KSRTC fleet, the city’s public transportation services will transition to fully electric, significantly reducing the carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly commuting.
Smart City Initiative
- Project Cost: The Thiruvananthapuram Smart City project, including the addition of electric buses, has a total cost of ₹1,135 crore. The central government contributes ₹500 crore, while the city corporation bears ₹135 crore of the expenses.
- An Onam Gift: Local self-government department (LSGD) Minister M.B. Rajesh announced that the inclusion of electric buses is a special gift to the state capital, enhancing its environmental sustainability and making it a greener place to live.
- Inaugural Ride: To celebrate this green initiative, the Chief Minister and other ministers enjoyed a ride on one of the newly launched electric buses, underlining the state’s commitment to promoting eco-friendly public transportation.
Kerala continues to lead the way in environmentally conscious urban development, and the addition of 60 electric buses to the KSRTC fleet is another step toward a greener and more sustainable future for the state.
Source : hindustantimes
