In a significant stride toward sustainable urban transportation, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is set to introduce 113 new electric buses within the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation limits under the Smart City project. This eco-conscious initiative aims to phase out fossil fuel-powered buses and contribute to a greener future for the city.
Expanding the Electric Fleet
KSRTC’s commitment to eco-friendly public transportation takes a leap forward with the introduction of 113 new electric buses in Thiruvananthapuram:
Inaugural Ceremony
- Date Set: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the handover of the first batch of 60 electric buses, valued at ₹104 crore, to Transport Minister Antony Raju. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on August 26, at the Government Model Boys Higher Secondary School grounds.
- Rollout Schedule: The remaining electric buses are expected to join the city’s public transportation fleet between September and October, expanding the accessibility of eco-friendly travel options.
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Transitioning to Sustainable Transportation
- Low-Floor Bus Reallocation: As part of the initiative, low-floor buses previously under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) will be redeployed to rural units in the district, optimizing resources.
- Route Planning: Routes for the new electric buses are currently under deliberation and are slated to be finalized by August 26. Public opinion will be considered in the decision-making process to ensure convenience and efficiency.
Greening the City
- Smart City Project Impact: The introduction of 113 electric buses aligns with the Smart City project’s goal of transforming Thiruvananthapuram into an environmentally conscious city, contributing to reduced emissions and air pollution.
- Cumulative Electric Fleet: With this expansion, the total number of electric buses operating in the city will reach 163, complementing the 50 electric buses already in service on various routes.
Enhancing Travel Experience
- ‘Margadarshi’ App: In addition to the fleet expansion, the Ministers unveiled the ‘Margadarshi’ app developed by Smart City. This app empowers the public to track buses in real time, identify nearby bus stops, and plan their journeys effectively, enhancing the overall travel experience.
- Future Prospects: The KSRTC-SWIFT is also set to launch two seater-cum-sleeper hybrid hi-tech buses, one AC and one non-AC, on August 26 for the Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod route. The success of this pilot project may lead to further investments in new buses.
The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation’s push for eco-conscious transportation through the deployment of these new electric buses reinforces its commitment to sustainable urban development and greener travel options for the residents of Thiruvananthapuram.
Source : thehindu
