LG Manoj Sinha recently introduced a fleet of e-buses in Srinagar, aiming to revolutionize the city’s public transportation. These electric buses will initially operate on 14 predefined routes with a fixed schedule until the charging infrastructure is fully established.
At present, 49 out of 75 e-buses are operational, relying on the existing charging station in Batwara, which can accommodate 32 buses. Additional charging facilities are in the works at Batamaloo and Humhama, and more may follow through outsourced implementation.
The e-bus fleet is set to transform the long-neglected mass transport system in Srinagar, connecting the city with Budgam, with potential future expansion to Ganderbal.
These state-of-the-art red e-buses, part of the Smart City project, come equipped with cutting-edge features such as ultra-high-definition dash cameras, passenger-friendly stop push buttons, and accessibility features for individuals with disabilities. Notably, they are zero-emission and eco-friendly.
Commuters can use a smartphone app to track the buses in real-time, and the buses feature inbuilt CCTV surveillance for increased safety. Elevators and ramps are also available for passengers with limited mobility.
The goal is to have a bus available at each stop every 25 minutes, although this may take some time to achieve. The 14 routes for these buses have been defined, but route adjustments are possible in the future. Commuters are advised to note the displayed destinations on the bus boards at the front and rear.
Here are the 14 routes:
1. TRC to Pandach via various stops
2. TRC to Harwan via various stops
3A. Panta Chowk to TRC
3B. TRC to Soura via various stops
5. Pantha Chowk to Railway Station
5B. Chadoora to Rambagh (Era Complex) via various stops
6A. Hazratbal to Batamaloo Road via various stops
6B. Batamaloo to Budgam via various stops
7. Batamaloo to Airport via various stops
8. Rangreth to Rambagh via various stops
9 (Circular Route). Batamaloo, Bemina Byepass, Parimpora, and more
10. TRC to Budgam via various stops
11. Batamaloo to Hazratbal via various stops
12A. Hawal Jamia Masjid, Munawarabad, TRC, and more