The state government of Uttar Pradesh has unveiled plans to introduce a fleet of 500 electric buses, a move aimed at modernizing its public transportation. The buses, priced at approximately Rs 1.5 crore each, will either be procured by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) or leased from private firms through a tender set to be issued within three months.
UPSRTC Electric Bus Procurement
With an initial procurement target of 100 electric buses, each requiring recharging after every 250 kilometers, the selected firms will not only supply the buses but also install charging infrastructure on land provided by UPSRTC. They will further be responsible for training UPSRTC drivers in bus operation and handling annual maintenance.
In addition to the purchase of the initial 100 buses, UPSRTC plans to hire an additional 250 electric buses through a forthcoming tender. These leased buses will be operated by drivers and conductors from the contracted private agency.
The decision is to deploy these electric buses between religious, historical, culturally significant cities, and as inter-city transport, expanding connectivity across the state. The government had earmarked over Rs 600 crore in the previous fiscal year’s supplementary budget and the budget for 2023-24 to fund this initiative.
Features of UPSRTC Electric Bus
Each electric bus, equipped with 51 seats, will feature a Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD) and panic buttons for passenger safety. These buses will integrate with the Corporation’s centralized command control center for streamlined management and operation.
The pricing for air-conditioned (AC) electric buses matches the rates of other AC buses operated by UPSRTC, whereas the fare for non-AC electric buses will align with that of standard, non-AC buses.
Prayagraj Transport Infrastructure and Charging station
In addition to this Prayagraj is set to elevate its transport infrastructure by introducing a cutting-edge charging station in Naini, as officials have already pinpointed the location for this proposed depot. The city anticipates the arrival of 100 new e-buses by February 2024, aiming to comprehensively connect vital routes with this service.
Surendra Kumar Bagde, the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, recently inspected the site chosen for the envisioned e-bus depot. This site is strategically situated in close proximity to the existing charging station that currently supports 50 e-buses operating on the streets of Prayagraj.
Medical Service to Cater Emergencies
The district administration has mandated all government and private hospitals to reserve a minimum of 200 beds specifically for October 8, coinciding with the grand Air Force flypast in Sangam city. Additionally, each blood bank, including AMA Blood Bank, ANHA, SRN, Beli, and Colvin, has been instructed to stockpile 50 units of all blood groups and 20 units of blood, respectively. Hospitals are further directed to ensure that ICU, ventilator, and other crucial resources remain fully functional and available in case of emergencies.
A joint team comprising Health department officials and the Indian Air Force (IAF), led by Wing Commander Anil Kumar, conducted inspections in various city hospitals, including Tej Bahadur Sapru Hospital, Motilal Nehru Divisional Hospital, Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital, and District Women’s Hospital, to assess the preparedness for the event.
Given the expected influx of a significant number of citizens, including VVIPs, during the air show, authorities emphasize the need for meticulous and comprehensive preparations. Dr. Ashu Pandey, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), has instructed smaller hospitals to reserve a minimum of five ICU beds, while larger hospitals are mandated to set aside at least seven beds for such critical care needs.