Patna: After the State Capital, the Transport Department has decided to run electric and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses fitted with modern amenities in four other major cities of the state. The step has been taken in view of growing contamination of ambient air owing to release of noxious gases by diesel run public transport vehicles. The Department has also placed the order to buy 25 electric buses to the concerned agencies, officials said.
The Department is fine-tuning running schedule of electric busses in Vaishali, Begusarai, Ara and Buxar as of now. As the electric busses are low-floor vehicles, routes needed to be chosen carefully. These buses required suitable platforms to allow passengers to board and de-board.
Department’s officials said that electric buses are quite popular among the commuters. Around 10 lakh people took the ride of electric buses during one year of its operation, ending March this year. “These buses have not only made the journey confortable, but also help check of emission of toxic gases in the environment,” said Transport Minister Sheela Kumari.
Currently electric buses are plying on Gandhi Maidan to Danapur, Airport to Patliputra, Kargil Chowk to Bihta, Gandhi Maidan to Bihar Sharif, Gandhi Maidan to Rajgir, Gandhi Maidan To Muzaffarpur and Gandhi Maidan to Darbhanga.
The buses are fully air-conditioned and equipped with CCTV camera for safety of passengers. Every bus has three display boards for convenience of the travellers. Besides, it comes fitted with public address system, smart ticketing, intelligent vehicle tracking system and firefighting gadget.
Public relations officer of the department Mukesh Kumar said that intra-district electric buses would be launched soon. “Besides, the department is also planning to run CNG buses to help combat the challenges of pollution.
