Expanding the network of electric buses in India, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is the latest in line to win a contract for providing and running electric buses in the city of Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh.
The country’s largest power equipment manufacturer won the order placed by the Urban Transport Directorate (UTD), Lucknow. As a part of the contract, BHEL will provide low floor, disabled-friendly Electric Buses to UTD. These buses will be run at the Gorakhpur airport.
The contract also mandates that BHEL provide the necessary charging infrastructure for these buses. The move is in line with BHEL’s recent collaboration with EESL to set up a charging infrastructure for electric vehicles across the country. The said charging stations are meant to be set up alongside the major highways in India. Apart from this, BHEL is also looking to boost India’s indigenous battery production through a recent joint venture.
As per reports online, two electric buses procured by UTD at a cost of Rs 2.74 crore will run to and from the Gorakhpur airport. The idea is to provide a stable commute for the airport passengers which was missing in the region before, all while keeping low to zero emissions for the way.
(Representative Image: BCCL)
BHEL will also be responsible for running the electric buses as well as setting up the required charging stations for the same. Locations for the charging stations have already been allocated in the region, with a prime one being Mahesra. Regional transport authorities have sent across a proposal of Rs 6.25 crore for setting up the 1-acre wide Mahesra charging station.
In addition to the airport route, such electric buses will also be used within the city of Gorakhpur. 12 to 13 such electric buses will be procured for operating on two set routes from 7 in the morning to 9 in the evening.
As the government propels the use of electric vehicles for public transport, it is only a matter of time before such vehicles are seen in every city in India. Stay updated with the new routes using electric buses by joining our group future transport below.