E-bus service launched in Durg for affordable public transport

 

 

In a significant step towards providing affordable and convenient public transportation, the Prime Minister’s E-bus Service Scheme is set to launch in Durg district. The scheme will cover areas under Bhilai Municipal Corporation, Durg Municipal Corporation, Risali Municipal Corporation, Bhilai-Charoda Municipal Corporation, along with Jamul, Ahiwara, Kumhari, Amleshwar, Dhamdha, Utai, and Patan. The service will be managed by the Durg District Urban Public Service Society. The introduction of electric buses (E-buses) is expected to significantly reduce air and noise pollution in urban areas.

 

These buses will run entirely on electricity, eliminating the need for diesel or petrol, thus promoting environmental protection. With zero emissions, these eco-friendly buses will provide a clean, safe, and cost-effective travel option for local residents. Under the scheme, 50 electric buses will be provided by the Government, with an operational and maintenance cost fixed at Rs 62.02 per kilometre. To support the infrastructure, the central government has sanctioned Rs. 4.04 crore, while the state government has provided Rs. 2.69 crore for the construction of the bus depot. Additionally, Rs. 11.02 crore has been allocated for the installation of Battery Charging Infrastructure. The buses will be parked and charged at the depot located at Kadambari Nagar, Sikola Bhatha, near D-Mart on NH-53 Bypass Road. This marks a historic milestone for Durg district, as it becomes the first district in Chhattisgarh to implement such an initiative.

 

The bus service will follow the state government’s guidelines, with fares charged as per official regulations. The groundbreaking ceremony for the bus depot was held on February 18, 2025, at 11 AM, at the Kadambari Nagar depot site. The event saw the presence of several dignitaries, including Durg Lok Sabha MP Vijay Baghel, Vaishali Nagar MLA Rikesh Sen, Durg City MLA Gajendra Yadav, Bhilai Mayor Neeraj Pal, Durg Mayor Alka Baghmar, Durg Collector Richa Prakash Choudhary, BMC Commissioner Rajiv Kumar Pandey, DMC Commissioner Sumeet Agarwal, and MIC member Shiju Antony. Local Corporator Mukesh Agarwal and many residents also attended the event.