Double decker buses will run in Lucknow from Navratri, electronic buses will also be operated in the entire state

Lucknow: The UP government is preparing to start operating electric buses including several double-decker buses for better transportation while reducing pollution. During the upcoming Navratri, double-decker buses will start operating in the capital Lucknow. This bus will be able to seat 65 passengers at a time. State Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh said, “We will start operating double-decker buses in Lucknow during Navratri. We have already completed the tender process for about 100 buses, including double-decker buses with a capacity of 65 passengers. After the initial fleet of 100 buses is operational, we will start the same number of buses.” The minister said that double-decker buses will first run in Lucknow from Navratri (first week of October) and later this facility will be expanded to other major districts of the state. Regarding fare pricing, he said that discussions are on to make the tickets affordable. 

Work going on on intercity electric buses

Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh said preparations are also being made to operate intercity electric buses and they are expected to be used during the Kumbh Mela next year. “Our target is to complete all these works before December to ensure that electric buses, including double-decker models, are ready before Kumbh,” he said. The Kumbh Mela will begin on January 12 next year. When asked about the supply of all these buses, Singh said, “We have issued tenders and will buy from wherever we get the best offers.” The idea of ​​running double-decker buses has come up in view of the convenience of tourism for visitors in Lucknow. He said, “Tourists can visit various sites of the city like Bhool Bhulaiya, Residency and Zoo by purchasing a single ticket and enjoy the view from the upper deck.” A main feature of these electric buses will be that they will reduce pollution. He said, “The main feature of electric buses is that they will help reduce pollution and ensure a clean environment.” 

Charging network will be created 

He also said that efforts are on to ensure a robust charging network. “The government has identified about 2,000 locations, including petrol pumps, bus stands and depots, where charging facilities will be set up,” Singh said. An official of the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) said that electric buses will have several benefits over conventional diesel-powered buses, such as lower emissions, lower operating costs and a quieter, more comfortable travel facility for passengers. The official said that the state’s public transport currently has about 11,500 buses. These buses meet the travel needs of more than 43.29 crore people and generate an annual revenue of more than Rs 4,473.70 crore.