Panipat to get 40 new e-buses by October-end

The Panipat Roadways Depot is expected to receive 40 new electric buses by the end of next month. Deputy Commissioner Dr Virender Kumar Dahiya stated that the introduction of e-buses would not only play a vital role in reducing air pollution in the city but would also help tackle traffic congestion on roads, including NH-44.Union Minister and former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had launched the city bus service in Panipat on January 28 last year. Since its launch, the service has received a positive response from passengers and has also generated considerable revenue. According to officials of the Haryana Roadways Department, the city buses are currently earning more than Rs 70 per kilometre on a daily basis. Commuters, particularly during the summer season, have shown a strong preference for using these buses.

At present, five buses are plying on the route between the new bus stand in Sewah village and the toll plaza on NH-44, covering a distance of about 10 kilometres one way. The introduction of 40 electric buses will significantly increase the fleet size in the district. Sources confirmed that the new vehicles are likely to arrive by the end of October.

Officials at the Panipat Depot have already outlined a proposed route plan for the e-buses, which will be finalised once the buses are received. Most of the new buses will operate within the district. As per initial information, they will cover local routes such as Panipat Old Bus Stand to Madlauda, Israna, Sanoli, Bapoli, Samalkha, and Gharaunda in neighbouring Karnal district.

Vikram Kamboj, General Manager of Panipat Depot, said: “Forty more electric buses are expected to reach by the end of October. Routes have been nearly finalised, with services planned for Madlauda, Israna, Samalkha, Sanoli, and Gharaunda from the old bus stand. Two additional buses will also be introduced on the existing city bus route, though the final plan will only be confirmed after the buses arrive.”

He added that charging and maintenance of the e-buses will be managed at the old bus stand, which has already been developed into a charging station with nine operational points. However, as the site has now been declared a high-tension zone, passengers will no longer be allowed to board buses there. “We have requested the Deputy Commissioner to provide an alternative boarding point under the elevated highway in front of the old bus stand,” Kamboj said.

According to Kamboj, electric buses are generating impressive revenues of Rs 70 to Rs 72 per kilometre on a daily basis, reportedly the highest city bus service revenue in the country.

Deputy Commissioner Dahiya confirmed that preparations are nearly complete: “It has almost been finalised that 40 electric buses will reach Panipat by the end of October. These buses will operate on local routes and also enhance the existing city bus service.”