UP to introduce CNG buses

In a move to control pollution, the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has decided to introduce 350 CNG buses in the current fiscal. The new buses, to be introduced in Lucknow, Agra, Kanpur and Noida, are scheduled to hit the road within three months.

“This is a cleaner option. We are working on the project and will float tenders for the purchase of buses in the next few days,” UPSRTC Chief General Manager (Technical) AK Chaturvedi, told Business Standard.

“This is a step further to strengthen our present capacity of 242 CNG buses, already running in the above said four cities,” he said.

The Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) had shown interest in supplying the required quantity of CNG to the corporation.

“GAIL has promised to supply sufficient quantity of CNG once we increase the fleet of buses,” Srivastava added. The corporation has decided to add a total of 2,100 new buses this fiscal, including 350 CNG. Each CNG bus will cost Rs 21 lakh approximately.

Besides this, 10 low floor buses with latest technology will also be introduced. These will involve an investment of Rs. 5.5 crores.

Meanwhile the corporation will engage 100 AC buses on contractual basis. The corporation presently takes CNG through the established depots of Green Gas Limited (GGL) and Central Uttar Pradesh Gas Limited (CUGL) across the state.

The corporation has also decided to sanction a grant of Rs. 39.40 lakhs for the establishment of Tyre re trading plant in Lucknow and Aligarh.