Pioneer News Service
Ranchi
A major transformation may soon be witnessed in the capital’s public transport system. Keeping in view the width of the city’s roads, narrow lanes, and busy turning points, the Ranchi Municipal Corporation and the Urban Development Department have started preparations for operating small electric buses. Consensus on this proposal was reached during a brainstorming meeting between the two departments. The objective of the scheme is to ease traffic congestion in the city, reduce pollution, and provide better public transport to the people.
Municipal Commissioner Sushant Gaurav stated that operating large buses on many main and connecting roads in Ranchi poses difficulties. In many places, the roads are narrow, and tight turns lead to traffic jams. In such a scenario, small electric buses can be operated easily on these routes. He added that the operation of electric buses will reduce both air and noise pollution, while also offering passengers a safe, comfortable, and affordable travel option.
Currently, the Ranchi Municipal Corporation operates around two and a half dozen city buses. However, many of these buses have become quite old and dilapidated. Complaints regarding the maintenance of these buses surface regularly. Passengers have to struggle daily with issues such as technical snags, worn-out seats, lack of cleanliness, and buses breaking down midway. Given the growing population and expansion of the city, the current number of buses is also not considered adequate.
In view of the demand for buses, the Urban Development Department has directed the Ranchi Municipal Corporation to move forward with the operation of small electric buses. Currently, preparations are underway to finalize the potential routes for the buses, arrangements for charging stations, depots, and the tender process. Based on the city’s requirements, routes are being identified where operating large buses is difficult, but small e-buses can easily ply.
The Municipal Corporation believes that the inclusion of new electric buses will not only strengthen the public transport system but also reduce dependency on the dilapidated city buses. This will provide better facilities to passengers, decrease traffic pressure, and prove to be a significant step toward environmental conservation. In the coming times, modern, pollution-free, and convenient electric buses on the roads of Ranchi will make people’s commutes much easier and safer.
