Minister for Transport and Tourism of Tripura, Sushanta Choudhury, chaired a high-level meeting in Agartala on Wednesday to discuss rolling out of “PM-eBus Sewa” and the launch of e-bus service and the installation of “Multi model Inter-charger” services under the scheme in Tripura.
During the meeting, Minister Choudhury emphasized the government’s commitment to deploying 10,000 e-buses across various cities in the country in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.
The central government aims to reduce pollution and advance the transportation system through the introduction of the “PM-eBus Sewa.”
A recent decision in the Union Cabinet meeting paved the way for the operation of 10,000 electric buses in 169 cities across the country.
This ambitious project, which includes infrastructure improvements in 181 cities, carries a total budget of Rs 57,613 crores.
Of this, the Center will contribute Rs 20,000 crores, with the remaining expenses to be shouldered by the states.
The e-bus service will operate under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, ensuring efficient management and optimal resource utilization.
According to a PIB Press Release, the scheme will cover cities of three lakh and above population as per census 2011 including all the Capital cities of Union Territories, North Eastern Region and Hill States. Under this scheme priority will be given to cities having no organized bus service.
The press release also read, “The scheme will generate 45,000 to 55,000 direct jobs through deployment of around 10,000 buses in city bus operation”.
Minister Choudhury highlighted the potential benefits of this initiative for Tripura, emphasizing that it will lead to an enhancement of the state’s economic condition and a higher standard of living for its residents.
Furthermore, the e-bus service is expected to reduce noise and air pollution while fostering economic growth and providing employment opportunities for many within the state.
Key officials, including the State government’s Finance Department Secretary Apurba Roy, Transport Department Secretary Uttam Kumar Chakma, Urban Development Department Director Rajat Panth, and Transport Department Commissioner Subrata Choudhury, attended the meeting to discuss the prospects and implications of launching e-bus services in Tripura.