Government to launch 100 e-buses in Amritsar despite past transport project failures

Despite the failure of two major public transport projects — the City Bus Service and the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) — the state government is set to introduce 100 electric buses on city roads under a Centrally sponsored scheme. The Local Bodies Department has already initiated the procurement process following a recent meeting.

As part of the initiative, the government plans to procure 347 electric buses for five cities in the state, including Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Patiala. Amritsar would receive 100 buses, Jalandhar 97, Ludhiana 100 and Patiala 50. Local Governments Minister Dr Ravjot Singh met with Municipal Corporation (MC) officials to discuss the purchase of these buses.

The electric bus fleet in Amritsar would consist of 50 small and 50 large buses. The smaller buses would operate within the city limits, while the larger ones would connect the city to nearby towns. These electric buses would also be integrated with the existing BRTS to improve public transport connectivity. The initiative aims to enhance travel facilities and contribute to a cleaner environment. It is important to note that this project has been launched by the Central Government.

Minister Dr Ravjot Singh said the introduction of electric buses would strengthen the public transport system and promote green mobility in the state. He also highlighted the ongoing efforts to replace 1,200 diesel autos with electric auto rickshaws in Amritsar and the distribution of 160 pink e-autos to women, with a 90 per cent subsidy.

However, the initiative comes after the failure of previous transport projects. In 2016, over 60 buses from the City Bus Service were damaged due to administrative negligence and around 90 buses from the BRTS project have been off the road since July 2023. Despite efforts, the Municipal Corporation has struggled to streamline the bus services.

Local activist Pawandeep Sharma criticised the failure of these projects, blaming politicians and bureaucrats for the lack of accountability. “The people pay taxes through their hard-earned money, yet 60 buses from the City Bus Service and 92 buses from the BRTS are parked at Mall Mandi and the Vallah bypass,” he said. Sharma urged the state government to hold officials and politicians accountable for the previous failures and to provide a written assurance regarding the sustainability of the new electric bus project.