Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis dedicated 200 AC electric buses to the public under the smart city project at Samvidhan chowk here on Sunday.
Union minister for surface transport and highways Nitin Gadkari, was the guest of honour. Legislators Praveen Datke, Krishna Khopde, municipal commissioner Radhakrishnan B, chief executive officer of smart city Ajay Gulhane, addl municipal com- missioner Ram Joshi, Bunty Kukde and Sandip Joshi were among those who were seated on the dais.
Addressing the gathering, Fadnavis said that smart city made available these AC electric buses to provide effective services to the citizens and reduce pollution. There is a need of 800 such buses of which 200 would start operating on the city roads while he will make efforts to make available required funds for purchasing another 240 buses.
He wanted that the bus stops should be made modern with displaying information about the buses coming by displaying electronic boards. Necessary funds for this purpose also would be made available, he pointed out.
In his address, Gadkari said, it is necessary to in- crease the number of AC electric buses to reduce pollution. While making special arrangements for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, he said adding that there should be a similar ticket for metro and bus with making a special card.
On the occasion, thanks were expressed to Fadnavis for making available funds to the tune of 1000 crore for logistic hub, city development, modernisation of bus stations and agro convention centres.
Radhakrishnan made introductory remarks.Manish Soni, PRO, conducted the programme while Ajay Gulhane proposed a vote of thanks.