150-200 e-Buses to be introduced in transport sector soon: LG

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Tuesday chaired a preliminary meeting with the Chairman and MD of Olectra Greentech Ltd, KV Pradeep, and discussed the modalities for introducing electric buses for cleaner, better inter-city and intra-city transport facilities in J&K.
During the meeting, the Lt Governor observed that electric vehicles are the future of transport as they are eco-friendly, ideal for urban environment, and contributes in reducing pollution levels.
The Government aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, promote greener, sustainable mobility solutions, said the Lt Governor.
The Chairman Olectra Greentech Ltd, an electric vehicle manufacturing company, gave a powerpoint presentation and briefed the Lt Governor about the company which has, so far, deployed around 600 electric buses across India and has 2500 buses under manufacturing process.
The Lt Governor asked the Chairman to send two electric buses on a trial basis, one each for Srinagar and Jammu. Depending upon the trial outcome, the government will decide future course of action for inter-city and intra-city transport facilities.
The Lt Governor maintained that government is committed to explore all the possibilities to transform Jammu and Srinagar into modern, sustainable, and economically vibrant cities, and making Jammu and Srinagar, the superlative smart cities of the country.
Pertinently, the Government of India has launched the second phase of FAME-II scheme for promoting electric vehicles. The scheme provides incentives and subsidy for manufacturing as well as purchase of electric vehicles.
The addition of 150-200 more e-buses will facilitate safer, greener, and reliable transportation for the public.
Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Finance; Dheeraj Kumar, Principal Secretary H&UDD, and Hridesh Kumar Commissioner Secretary Transport were present in the meeting.