Key Facts
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday flagged off 45 electric buses and 3 hydrogen buses of the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) via video conferencing from Lucknow. These buses will serve the Noida, Greater Noida, and YEIDA regions, including connectivity to Jewar Airport. The Chief Minister also inaugurated the Noida Electric Bus Depot.
Green Mobility Vision
CM Yogi emphasized the state's commitment to green mobility, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of sustainable development. He stated that Uttar Pradesh aims to connect every city and village with petrol and diesel-free electric services in the coming years. The initiative is a step towards achieving net-zero emissions.
Details of the Launch
The Chief Minister announced that by June 15, all three authorities—Noida, Greater Noida, and YEIDA—will operate 110 electric buses. Based on demand, the fleet will be increased to 500 buses. The hydrogen buses, provided by NTPC, will use green hydrogen produced from treated sewer water, not groundwater or surface water.
Infrastructure Development
CM Yogi highlighted the state's improved road network of 4 lakh km, including expressways like Ganga Expressway, Purvanchal Expressway, and Bundelkhand Expressway. He also noted that Uttar Pradesh now has 5 international airports: Lucknow, Ayodhya, Kashi, Kushinagar, and Noida. Metro services operate in 7 cities, and over 700 electric buses run across 17 municipal corporations.
Impact on Environment and Economy
The introduction of electric and hydrogen buses is expected to reduce air pollution, especially benefiting children, senior citizens, and patients. The state has launched the Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Project (UP CAMP) with World Bank assistance of ₹2,741 crore to achieve net-zero targets. Additionally, local manufacturing of electric buses by Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland in Lucknow boosts the economy.
What Readers Should Know
- The buses will provide last-mile connectivity to Jewar Airport, India's largest airport, set to begin operations on June 15.
- Noida, Greater Noida, and YEIDA are major IT, electronics, and industrial hubs, making eco-friendly transport essential.
- Hydrogen for the buses will be produced from treated sewer water, promoting innovative green hydrogen mobility.
- The state government prioritizes unemployed youth in operating transport services in rural areas.
FAQ
How many electric buses were flagged off?
45 electric buses were flagged off by UP CM Yogi Adityanath.
How many hydrogen buses were launched?
3 hydrogen buses were launched, provided by NTPC.
Where will these buses operate?
These buses will operate in Noida, Greater Noida, and YEIDA regions, connecting Jewar Airport.
What is the target for electric buses in the region?
By June 15, 110 electric buses will operate, with a plan to increase to 500 based on demand.
Source: www.thehindu.com