Clean, green air: Can 300 e-buses do it?

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: In a bid to ensure green and clean air in Bengaluru, the state government has decided to introduce 300 electric buses in the coming days, said Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

Speaking after launching an electric bus here on Monday, he said of late, BS-6 technology is being promoted everywhere because it is environmentally-friendly. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has also adopted this technology, he said adding that around the globe, both private and public transport companies are adopting the latest technology to protect the environment.

The state government has decided to adopt B6 technology and wants to reduce diesel based buses to preserve the environment. The electric vehicle is a boon compared to the current technology which is polluting the atmosphere, he added.

Bommai said 90 electric buses would be added to the fleet of 300 e-buses planned for the entire city. These B6 buses will help reduce pollution and damage to the environment. On the one hand, upgradation is taking place and on the other hand, KSRTC had to become self-reliant by generating revenue on its own. There were loopholes in the functioning of KSRTC which must be plugged to make it profitable. “When private bus operators can make profits why can’t we?” he wondered.

Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) which was making profits, is now in the red and the need of the hour is to improve its services and rope in big IT and ITeS companies to use BMTC for carrying their employees. Marketing holds the key in the current competitive world and officials must think out of the box and come up with ideas to make it a profitable venture. The KSRTC must explore new avenues to make money from non-subsidy areas. “You prepare a roadmap and engage in experiments to achieve success”.

Committee formed

The CM also said a committee headed by former IAS officer M.R.Srinivasamurthy has been constituted to suggest ways and means for the KSRTC to earn profit. Similarly, another panel would be formed under the chairmanship of another former IAS officer, K.Jairaj for restructuring ESCOMS (Electricity Supply Company Limited) to bring them back on track.