The much-awaited PM E-Buses under the Centre’s PM E-Bus Sewa Scheme are likely to be launched in Nagpur by January 26, bringing significant relief to the city’s overstretched public transport system.
The rollout comes at a critical time, as all standard-size buses have been scrapped and existing services continue to operate under heavy strain.
A senior Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) transport official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that 30 electric buses out of the sanctioned 150 have already been received and are ready for deployment. “Driver training has been completed, while conductor training is currently underway.
To operate these 30 buses, around 90 trained drivers and conductors are required,” the official said.
The official added that conductors are being trained to operate advanced features such as hydraulic lifts, which will greatly benefit wheelchair users and passengers with mobility challenges.
These facilities are expected to substantially improve accessibility in public transport.
The new e-buses will be deployed on longer routes with higher passenger footfall to maximise benefits for wheelchair users and specially abled passengers.
There is also a strong possibility that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may virtually inaugurate the service.
According to the official, due to the ongoing Zilla Parishad elections, an inauguration at rural bus depots may not be feasible, making a city-based launch more likely.
Meanwhile, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding the deployment of the e-buses is pending before the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court.
The petitioner had earlier sought their rollout during the civic body elections held on January 15, but incomplete conductor training prevented their operation at that time.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on January 28.
The first batch of 30 e-buses was received on November 17.
However, their inauguration and commencement were delayed due to registration formalities, the enforcement of the model code of conduct, and the ongoing training of conductors.
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