Phased Conversion of ST Corporation Buses to Non-Conventional Fuel: Fadnavis
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Synopsis
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the phased transition of all ST Corporation buses to non-conventional fuel, including electric and LNG. This initiative aims to combat pollution in Maharashtra, with plans for significant electric bus procurement and enhanced public transport systems.
Key Takeaways
- All ST Corporation buses to transition to non-conventional fuel.
- 5,150 electric buses planned, with 450 already purchased.
- Existing buses will be converted to LNG.
- Government aims for 80% of vehicles on the road to be electric.
- Measures taken against modified EV bikes in Mumbai.
Mumbai, March 26 (NationPress) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the Maharashtra Legislative Council on Wednesday that all buses operated by the State Transport (ST) Corporation are set to undergo a transformation towards non-conventional fuel in a phased approach, with plans to introduce ST buses powered by electricity and LNG.
Responding to a query from BJP legislator Uma Khapre about pollution levels in Pimpri-Chinchwad and Hinjewadi, other council members including Shashikant Shinde, Pravin Darekar, Anil Parab, Amit Gorkhe, and Manisha Kayande also contributed to the discussion.
According to the chief minister, a total of 5,150 electric buses will be procured for the ST Corporation, with 450 already acquired. He mentioned that existing ST buses will also be converted to LNG, with an agreement in place for LNG supply. The state is promoting the use of EVs, supported by a new EV policy and widespread establishment of charging stations. The aim is for at least 80 percent of vehicles on the roads to be electric. Increased use of EVs is expected to significantly reduce pollution levels. Additionally, pollution in the Hinjewadi area, mainly caused by vehicles, is being addressed with improved Metro and bus connectivity.
Fadnavis emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to maximize the number of EV buses, asserting that the public transport system should be pollution-free. He also noted that the government intends to transition all government vehicles to electric models, including offering interest concessions on vehicle loans for EVs to legislators. Furthermore, the government is planning to convert all ministers' vehicles into EVs.
In a related matter, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, addressing a question from BJP legislator Prasad Lad, stated that measures have been taken against EV bikes with modified battery wattage. This action follows reports of EV bikes operating on the roads of Mumbai with altered battery capacities.
Sarnaik confirmed that 211 cases have been filed so far for battery capacity modifications, leading to the seizure of 889 modified EV bikes. Some companies have been illegally enhancing capacity and deploying EV bikes on the roads, including Chinese-made bikes intended for internal use. A policy will soon be enacted to mandate the registration of all such EV bikes.
