Srinagar, Nov 1: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, on Wednesday, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to advancing smart mobility solutions to achieve eco-friendly transportation in the Himalayan region.
Speaking at the launch of 100 electric buses under the Srinagar Smart City Bus project, the emphasised the acquisition of 100 electric buses as a significant step towards carbon neutrality, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s environmental goals. He also flagged off a fleet of 75 e-buses at Nishat Bus Terminal
LG Sinha praised the pivotal role played by Srinagar Smart City Limited in making the ‘modal shift’ concept a reality. The city is now offering efficient and sustainable transportation options while contributing to the broader sustainability of society.
“This forward-thinking initiative seeks to enhance transportation services and promote a harmonious balance with the environment. The introduction of 100 e-buses signifies a remarkable leap forward in the pursuit of reducing carbon emissions and achieving a greener, cleaner future for Srinagar,” stated Lt. Governor Sinha.
Srinagar Smart City’s commitment to smart mobility and sustainability aligns with the national vision for a cleaner and greener India, he added. Sinha also highlighted the benefits these e-buses would bring, including reliability, cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and safety for the people of Srinagar and its neighbouring districts.
“These e-buses are designed for robust operation, guaranteeing a minimum daily run of 200 kilometres, ensuring ample availability for commuters. The service hours are conveniently scheduled from 8 AM to 8 PM, accommodating the travel needs of a broad spectrum of passengers,” he explained.
LG Sinha expressed confidence that the long-cherished dream of a Metro Rail system in Srinagar and Jammu is close to becoming a reality, promising to revolutionize urban transportation and connectivity in the region.
“The Metro Rail project will significantly enhance mobility, reduce congestion, and contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future for both cities,” he emphasized.
During the launch event, the Lieutenant Governor directed officials to ensure the year-round functionality of dedicated charging stations for these e-buses, ensuring uninterrupted service. He also expressed gratitude to the Central Government for its support in enhancing urban transportation in the Union Territory.
“These e-buses come equipped with features like Universal Access, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, on-board vehicle tracking, CCTV surveillance, and emergency stop facilities to enhance passenger safety and convenience,” he mentioned.
LG Sinha also announced the development of a dedicated mobile app and an online ticket payment system to make commuting more convenient for passengers. All buses are seamlessly integrated with the Srinagar Smart City’s Integrated Command & Control Centre. “Additionally, a state-of-the-art bus depot is currently under construction at Pantha Chowk, and charging sub-stations have been set up to ensure the smooth operation of these e-buses, further solidifying Srinagar’s commitment to sustainable and efficient urban transportation,” LG Sinha concluded.
The event was attended by Junaid Azim Mattu, Mayor SMC; Prashant Goyal, Principal Secretary Housing & Urban Development Department; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Athar Aamir Khan, CEO Srinagar Smart City Limited; G. Prasanna Ramaswamy, Secretary Transport department, ULB members, officials of Civil administration and Tata Motors, and prominent citizens.
