TFP Bureau, Raipur, November 30, 2024: Residents of four major cities in Chhattisgarh will soon enjoy a new era of sustainable transportation with the introduction of 240 e-buses under the Pradhan Mantri E-Bus Service. Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg-Bhilai, and Korba will be the first beneficiaries of this initiative, providing eco-friendly, affordable, and reliable transport solutions.
The project was made possible through the efforts of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, with approval from the Government of India for 240 e-buses in total. Raipur will receive 100 e-buses, while Bilaspur and Durg-Bhilai will each get 50, and Korba will receive 40. The State Urban Development Authority (SUDA) has been designated as the nodal agency, while the Urban Public Service Societies in each city will oversee implementation.
In a statement, Chief Minister Sai emphasized that the new service would significantly improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions, while also offering efficient and comfortable transportation. The e-buses are designed to serve as an alternative or complementary mode of transit to metro systems, ensuring smooth and affordable travel for citizens.
Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Administration Minister, Shri Arun Sao, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ goals to enhance public transport infrastructure. Under the scheme, the central government will provide financial assistance to the cities for the purchase and operation of the buses, as well as for developing essential infrastructure like bus depots and power supply systems.
The Chhattisgarh government has already approved a total of Rs 67 crore for developing the necessary infrastructure across the four cities. This includes funds for building bus depots and the installation of BTM power infrastructure. Administrative approvals have been granted to each city’s Urban Public Service Society, with detailed allocations for civil infrastructure and power supply systems.
As part of the Pradhan Mantri E-Bus Seva, cities are categorized by population to determine the number of buses they receive. Raipur, with a population of over 20 lakh, has been allocated 100 medium-sized e-buses, while Durg-Bhilai will receive 50. Bilaspur, with a slightly smaller population, will be allocated 35 medium-sized and 15 mini e-buses, and Korba will get 20 medium-sized and 20 mini e-buses.
This ambitious project is expected to revolutionize urban mobility in Chhattisgarh, offering residents a green alternative for their daily commutes while improving overall public transport efficiency in the state.
