Electric Bus: Public transportation for daily commuters in Ghaziabad is set to be enhanced by the addition of 100 more electric city buses. The Urban Development Department has given the green light to a proposal aimed at boosting the city’s bus fleet. This move is expected to reduce reliance on auto and private vehicles among commuters, leading to smoother journeys for professionals, students, and women.
At present, 17 buses are facing battery issues. Out of the 50 electric city buses operated by the Transport Corporation in Ghaziabad, 17 are currently unable to function due to battery problems, leaving them idle at the depot. With a population of around 3.5 million, the city was already grappling with a shortage of buses, which has been exacerbated by the recent battery failures. Consequently, many residents have had to resort to auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, and private cars due to the inadequate public transport system.
The existing transportation challenges have resulted in traffic congestion during peak hours on various routes, adding financial strain on commuters. To address this issue and cater to the growing number of passengers, a plan to introduce 100 additional city buses has been sanctioned. These buses will soon be deployed across Ghaziabad, connecting key roads, industrial zones, railway stations, bus terminals, and residential areas.
The scarcity of buses has led to gaps in service on important routes, including those to the airport and upscale neighborhoods. Despite a significant portion of the population relying on public transport, adequate bus connectivity remains lacking in certain areas. Students and women, in particular, require safe and reliable transportation options. By expanding the city’s bus fleet, better travel options will be available to benefit these groups.
Approval to run 18 buses on Noida Airport route
Meanwhile, in the meeting of the Divisional Transport Authority on Tuesday, permits for 18 buses were approved for Jewar Airport connectivity. The meeting was held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Meerut Divisional Commissioner Bhanu Chandra Goswami. Authority Secretary Pramod Kumar Singh said that permits were given to four buses for the route from Rabupura to Botanical Garden via Yamuna Expressway, Sector-21, Sector-20, Salarpur Underpass, Dankaur Roundabout, Sector-17 and Sector-26 to Pari Chowk.
Permits were issued to two buses from Botanical Garden to Surajpur, Collectorate and Mongli village via Sector-22D, Salarpur Underpass, Roundabout Sector-17 and Sector-26. Permits were approved for 12 buses from Jewar Airport to Pari Chowk. KN Chaudhary, regional manager, Transport Corporation, said, “To strengthen public transportation, a plan has been made to operate 100 city buses. The Urban Development Department will provide the buses. This will provide better convenience to passengers and strengthen the traffic system.”