Raipur E-Bus Service: Operations Targeted by March, 100 Electric Buses Under PM E-Bus Sewa

Raipur: Preparations to launch an e-bus service in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, have gathered pace. The state government has set a deadline of March for starting operations. Before that, the target is to complete the required infrastructure, charging stations, depot construction and route finalisation by December.

Under the Prime Minister's E-Bus Sewa (PM E-Bus Sewa), Raipur will get 100 e-buses from the Government of India. Their operation is expected to give residents affordable, comfortable and environment-friendly public transport.

Routes being drawn up to link schools, colleges and hospitals

The Urban Administration and Development Department is preparing e-bus routes keeping in mind the needs of the floating population that comes to Raipur every day, besides residents. Schools, colleges, hospitals, major markets, important institutions and other public-utility places are being given priority in route finalisation. The aim is for the e-bus service to connect the main parts of the city better.

Infrastructure work to be completed by December

Officials say this is the first major attempt at e-bus operations in Chhattisgarh. Depots, charging stations, bus stops and other necessary facilities are therefore being developed before the buses start running. For the depot and civil works and other construction, the required approvals and technical procedures are being completed in coordination with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Railways and other departments concerned.

Real-time monitoring of e-buses

A system for real-time monitoring of operations is also being prepared for after the service begins. Route planning, bus operations, depots, charging infrastructure, bus stops and a command and control system will be integrated under it. Priority for e-bus operations is being decided on the basis of the city's transport needs and available resources.

Pending HT line issue resolved

Laying of a high-tension (HT) line by the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) is also necessary for e-bus operations in Raipur. An application relating to no-objection on the NHAI portal was pending for this, and it has now been resolved. The process of readying the infrastructure required for e-bus operations is being taken forward.

Routes fixed in four cities

Besides Raipur, routes have also been fixed in Bilaspur, Durg-Bhilai and Korba. Officials say local transport needs and citizens' convenience were kept in mind while fixing routes in these cities. The government's aim is to complete all necessary preparations within the stipulated time and start the e-bus service.