Delhi launches electric bus between Anand Vihar and Mehrauli

In a move to combat rising pollution levels in the national capital, the Delhi government on Thursday flagged off an electric bus between Anand Vihar ISBT to Mehrauli.

Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot flagged off the trials of zero emission and noise-free Olectra-BYD's 12 Meter electric bus, eBuzz K9 with a 35+1 (driver) seating capacity.

"We are very concerned about the health of our people. We are doing everything possible within our control to reduce pollution in Delhi. I have seen many conscious Delhiites doing their bit too. All of us together can make it happen," said Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The 'Make in India' eBuzz K9, driven by Lithium-ion Iron Phosphate battery providing an ability to run up to 300 km on a single recharge, will run on route number 534 between Anand Vihar ISBT to Mehrauli Terminal.

"The trials, which will be conducted for three months, will enable the authorities to evaluate the efficiency of the buses in the standard road conditions of Delhi. To promote usage of zero-emission electric vehicles, Delhi government aims to induct electric buses in the public transport system," the company said in a statement.

A.N. Naga Satyam, Executive Director, Olectra Greentech Limited said: "As a part of our commitment to contribute to the efforts of ensuring a healthy environment to the public, these Delhi trials are yet another step towards conversion of fossil-fueled vehicles into a zero-emission transport option. Olectra BYD electric buses were commercially running in four states."

electric buses from Olectra-BYD are already running in Himachal Pradesh, Mumbai, Telangana and Kerala, the company said, adding that "Olectra-BYD buses have completed more than 5,00,000 km on Indian roads and have so far reduced CO2 emissions up to 524 tonnes which would have required 2,619 trees instead".

The Delhi government in July gave in-principle approval for the hiring of a consultant to run 1,000 electric buses, estimated to cost Rs 2,500 crore, in the national capital as promised in its 2018-19 "green" budget.

As per a 1998 order of the Supreme Court, Delhi should have a fleet of 10,000 buses for public transport but currently, it has only 5,815 buses.

--IANS

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