More electric buses to ply on various routes in Lucknow and Kanpur

Targeting a sustainable future, the Uttar Pradesh government is slowly inching toward adopting a noise and pollution-free transportation system. At the centre of it all lies prioritising an efficient transportation system in the most populated city, Lucknow.

Recently, the state govt had announced the overhaul of the entire city transport system. Under the programme, they decided to replace all diesel-run city buses with electric buses.

Taking a step in that direction, the Uttar Pradesh government flagged off 42 electric city buses that will be deployed in Lucknow and Kanpur. Of these 42 buses, 34 buses will run in Lucknow and the remaining 8 buses in Kanpur.

While launching these buses, the state Chief Minister stated that "the need of the hour is a public transport that is free from noise and air pollution. Out of 100 cities being developed as smart cities in the country, 10 are in UP."

Reportedly, in 2019, Lucknow’s first electric bus was launched for the Alambagh-Gomtinagar route and since then, e-buses have been made to run on several routes including the Mohanlalganj-Dubagga route and Transport Nagar-Dubagga route.

The City Transport Services Limited (CTSL) aims to procure 100 more electric buses by the end of 2022. With the introduction of more e-buses, many new charging stations will also be set up, ensuring hassle-free e-mobility transportation in Lucknow.

Not just e-buses, the state has also seen a rise in the number of electric four-wheelers and two-wheelers. The adoption of EVs is aimed at addressing the worsening air quality in both cities. Lucknow and Kanpur are among India’s most polluted cities where the air quality index stands above the 300 mark.