Big Boost for UP: 1,725 New AC Electric Buses to Ply in 18 Cities of Uttar Pradesh; Yogi Cabinet Approves Mega Project!2 min read
Lucknow
In a major step towards modernizing urban public transport and making it pollution-free, the Uttar Pradesh government has reportedly taken a massive decision. According to reports citing official sources, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved a proposal to operate 1,725 new air-conditioned (AC) electric buses across 18 major cities in the state. This initiative is expected to not only make daily commuting comfortable for the public but also significantly help in curbing urban air pollution.
The mega project will allegedly be implemented under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model, featuring a collaborative effort between the state government and private partners.
📍 Key Details of the Government Plan
According to media reports, the government has prepared a comprehensive blueprint to execute this eco-friendly transit project on the ground:
- Private Sector Participation: Reports suggest that the operation and fleet maintenance of these electric buses will be handled by private operators selected through a competitive bidding/tender process.
- Charging Infrastructure: Dedicated charging stations and depots will be developed across the selected cities. Private partners may receive financial assistance to set up the necessary charging infrastructure at these depots.
- Revenue Collection: The fare collected from passengers will directly go to the Directorate of Urban Transport or the respective government authorities.
💰 Financial Model and Subsidy Reports
To ensure transparency and project viability, the state government is reportedly extending significant financial backing:
- Financial Assistance Per Bus: The government is expected to provide a fixed Viability Gap Funding (VGF) or subsidy per bus to incentivize the procurement and smooth running of these 1,725 AC vehicles.
- Sustainable Transport Vision: This move is viewed as a cornerstone of the state government’s vision for green energy and sustainable transport, aiming to reduce dependency on diesel and petrol in the future.
(Source: The Statesman)
(Disclaimer: This news report is based on preliminary inputs from established media sources and official government announcements. Our website does not independently verify the facts and claims mentioned in this report.)