Electrical buses to connect sectors in P’kula

Sanjay Bumbroo

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, January 7

In order to develop Panchkula as a green city the Municipal Corporation (MC) is mulling over a project to run battery-operated mini buses so that the people can commute between various sectors without inconvenience.

At present, there is no transport connecting sectors in the city, which creates problem for the people while they commute from one sector to the other.

In the first phase, around 20 electrical buses will operate in the city. If the project gets good response then the number of buses will be increased.

The MC will soon send a detailed project report in this regard to the Haryana Government for its approval. As per planning, air-conditioned buses having capacity of 32 seats will operate in the city. These buses will run for about 150 km after its batteries are charged. The buses will consume 10 to 15 units of electricity incurring an expenditure of around Rs 300 to Rs 400 per day.

Buses running on diesel consume 30 to 35 litres of fuel per day, which costs Rs 1,900 to Rs 2,200.

Presently, electrical buses are being run commercially in Hyderabad since April last year. As per plan, electrical buses will be operating in the Bell corridor. Starting from Housing Board Light Point, the buses will pass from Sectors 7 to 18, 8 to 17, 9 to 16, 10 to 15, 11 to 14, 12 to 12A, 11 to 10, 5 to 4, 5 to 2, 5 to 6, and the road separating Sector 7 and 8, which have been included in Bell corridor.

The MC will construct bus stops of new design on these roads. Confirming the development the MC Administrator, Rajesh Jogpal, said, “In order to develop Panchkula as green city we are planning to start electrical buses in various sectors. A proposal in this regard will be sent to the state government for its approval.”

Less running cost

Electrical buses will run for about 150 km after batteries are charged. The buses will consume 10 to 15 units of electricity incurring an expenditure of around Rs 300 to Rs 400 per day. Buses running on diesel consume 30 to 35 litres of fuel per day, which costs Rs 1,900 to Rs 2,200.