Srinagar, July 25: Srinagar is all set to embrace modernization and sustainable transportation as it welcomes the arrival of its first all-weather e-bus equipped with state-of-the-art features.
As part of the Smart City project, the city aims to revolutionize its public transport system, enhance connectivity, and reduce environmental impact. The prototype of the first e-bus has already arrived at the Pantha Chowk depot, and the first trial run is scheduled to begin soon.
The e-buses are designed to meet the evolving needs of modern commuters and provide a comfortable, convenient, and eco-friendly transportation solution. Packed with cutting-edge amenities, including onboard Wifi and CCTV surveillance, passengers will enjoy an enriched travel experience while staying connected during their journeys.
Chief Engineer Smart City Srinagar, Iftikar Ahmad Kakroo, expressed his enthusiasm about the project, stating that the city is committed to introducing a total of 100 e-buses on its streets by the end of the year. He revealed that the first batch of 20 buses is expected to arrive in Srinagar by the end of the month, and the trial phase will commence shortly.
During this period, the buses will undergo rigorous testing to identify any necessary modifications before they are fully integrated into the city's public transport network.
The e-buses come in two variants, with lengths of 9 meters and 12 meters, allowing them to efficiently serve various parts of the city, including narrow and congested routes. The introduction of these high-tech vehicles has raised the hopes of the city's residents, who eagerly anticipate a reduction in overcrowding and an improvement in transportation availability, especially in remote and underserved areas.
By adopting electric buses, Srinagar aims to play a pivotal role in mitigating the adverse effects of traditional fuel-powered vehicles on the environment. The introduction of these e-buses is expected to make a significant impact on the city's air quality and contribute to a cleaner, greener Srinagar.
As the trial run nears, officials are keen to gather valuable feedback from both passengers and drivers to further fine-tune the system and optimize the overall experience. Moreover, the authorities plan to assess the city's existing bus stops to accommodate the unique requirements of the e-buses and improve accessibility for all commuters.
With the promise of improved transportation, enhanced connectivity, and reduced environmental impact, the city's residents eagerly await the full-scale deployment of these innovative e-buses, which will undoubtedly reshape the face of public transportation in Srinagar.