New Delhi, Aug 7: Jammu & Kashmir has been allocated a total of 200 electric buses under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme, as part of the government’s plan to modernize and expand urban transport services across the country.
The details were provided in response to a question raised in the Lok Sabha, which was answered by Tokhan Sahu, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
The PM-eBus Sewa Scheme, launched on August 16, 2023, aims to deploy 10,000 electric buses nationwide to enhance city bus services through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This will not only help reduce carbon emissions but also contribute to the growing demand for sustainable urban transportation.
The 200 buses allocated to Jammu & Kashmir will be part of the larger initiative to improve public transport systems, and they will be operational once the associated infrastructure, such as depots and charging stations, is ready. These buses are expected to be deployed soon, once the groundwork related to the Behind-the-Meter (BTM) power infrastructure and grid integration readiness is completed.
In a significant move towards promoting electric mobility, the central government has approved 100% central assistance for the BTM infrastructure required for the depots where these buses will be stationed. This initiative forms part of the broader strategy to modernize the state’s transportation system, particularly to reduce air pollution and enhance the efficiency of public transport.
While Jammu & Kashmir is set to benefit from the eBus initiative, the state has not yet participated in the funding and procurement aspects of the scheme. No funds have been sanctioned to the state thus far, as it awaits the finalization of deployment logistics.
The scheme includes not just buses but also the necessary charging infrastructure and depot readiness, for which city authorities in J&K are working closely with distribution companies (DISCOMs). The Project Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (PMEC) is overseeing the entire process to ensure timely implementation and progress across the states, including Jammu & Kashmir.
As the state prepares for the deployment of these electric buses, it is expected to boost eco-friendly transport options for residents while also addressing urban transportation challenges in the region. (KNO)
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