• Source:JND

Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Khanna on Wednesday presented the state budget, announcing a Rs 400 crore allocation to strengthen public transport through the induction of electric buses. The funding will be used to procure new e-buses and convert over 300 ageing BS-III and BS-IV buses operating in the Ghaziabad region into electric vehicles, a move aimed at reducing pollution and improving passenger amenities.

Old roadways buses are considered a major contributor to air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR). In October 2023, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) held consultations with transport corporation officials and decided to phase out BS-III and BS-IV buses from the NCR, replacing them with BS-VI, CNG and electric buses. However, despite the decision, the replacement process has seen delays over the past two-and-a-half years.

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Officials said that around 500 old buses were operating in the region earlier, of which about 200 BS-VI buses have already been inducted. Nearly 300 buses are still due for replacement, and the new budgetary allocation is expected to accelerate the transition to electric mobility.

BS-III and BS-IV buses were barred from entering Delhi from November 8, 2023, with only BS-VI-compliant vehicles permitted. As a result, more than 50 buses previously operating from Anand Vihar in Delhi were shifted to the Kaushambi depot, where they continue to operate.

The budget also earmarks around Rs 150 crore for the construction and development of bus stands. This is expected to facilitate the construction of a new bus stand in Hapur, while facilities at Kaushambi, Ghaziabad and Sahibabad are already being developed under the PPP model. Infrastructure improvements are also underway in Khurja, Secunderabad and Loni.

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UPSRTC Service Manager Bijay Chaudhary said the Rs 400 crore allocation for e-buses would provide significant relief to the Ghaziabad region by replacing old vehicles, reducing emissions and enhancing passenger travel experience.


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