After M&M Trial, Transport Authorities to Go Ahead With EOI for 50 Electric Buses

In a bid to reduce the pollution levels and to encourage eco-friendly public transport solution, governments and transport corporations across various states are taking steps to acquire hybrid and electric buses. Now, the state transport department of Himachal Pradesh is looking to go forward with the plan to acquire 50 electric buses. Despite the fact that several issues pertaining to these electric buses remains unsolved, the transport department looks to raise an expression of interest. It was only few months ago in December when Mahindra and Mahindra started trial runs of these buses by importing them from England.

“Though the performance of the vehicles was satisfactory on leveled roads, on gradual slopes, the battery consumption was fast and on steep slopes like the Kasumpti-Chhota Shimla route, a problem was faced, especially during the peak traffic time,” said officials.

Currently the transport authorities are studying the efficacy of electric buses on terrains and are working on devising specifications. “Even though the trial run of the e-maxximo, seven-seater mini vans being imported by Mahindra and Mahindra was undertaken, still there are a lot of issues which remain to be addressed,” said Ajay Mittal, an official in state transport department. He further stated that the EOI will be floated after deciding the specifications and it will take at least a week’s time.

As of now, no company in India has a manufacturing facility nor the technology to develop these eco-friendly buses. On the other hand Mahindra and Mahindra is in pursuit of National Green Tribunal for permit to explore ways to run electric buses between Rohtang and Manali route.

The state government of Himachal Pradesh has begun trail runs of CNG and electric buses on this route and now it is looking to acquire almost 50 electric buses and 25 CNG buses. On the other hand, the union ministry of heavy industries has shown its interest to finance the procurement.