Srinagar, Feb 23: In a bid to revamp public transportation in Srinagar, the Srinagar Smart City initiative is set to introduce an additional fleet of 100 e-buses by the close of the upcoming year. Currently, the city boasts 75 e-buses, with an imminent addition of 25 more, according to officials’ statements on Friday.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event in Srinagar, CEO of Smart City, Owais Ahmed, revealed the plan to procure 100 more e-buses, emphasising the endeavour’s objective to enhance public transit and cater to the commuting needs of city dwellers. “The decision comes in response to the positive reception from the populace towards e-buses, with a growing demand evident,” said the CEO.
Acknowledging the city’s requirement of approximately 550 buses to adequately serve its transportation needs, authorities are optimistic about bridging this gap in the near future. Another official from Srinagar Smart City underscored the commitment to augmenting public transport, citing the Prime Minister’s interest in the city’s development. The vision is set on achieving commendable public transportation standards by 2030.
By the end of next year, there will be around 200 e-buses, providing a major relief to city residents, and the number of e-buses will continue to increase over time.
“We are striving to electrify the entire city’s transportation system, which will contribute to the environment and reduce pollution. The more people adopt these facilities, the greater the contribution to the environment. E-buses have been a game-changer for Srinagar city as they offer modern amenities and are fast,” he added.
They provide real-time updates on their routes via applications, unlike ordinary buses, which operate at their own pace, the officer said. He added that with more e-buses in place, the smoother the transportation will be in Srinagar.
