Air-Conditioned E-Buses Hit Bhopal Streets, 10 Buses Launch on 3 Routes

AC E-Buses Deployed on Bhopal Roads

In a significant stride towards strengthening public transportation in Bhopal, air-conditioned (AC) electric buses were rolled out for passengers on Thursday morning. Following successful testing of ticketing software and trial runs of empty buses, these eco-friendly vehicles have commenced operations on three major city routes.

A total of 10 e-buses are currently operating in phases across various timings. The fare for these buses has been kept consistent with the existing red city buses, with a minimum fare of 6 to 7 rupees and a maximum of 40 rupees. This means passengers can enjoy an air-conditioned journey without any additional cost, offering considerable relief.

Routes and Connectivity

Initially, the e-buses will ply on routes from Chirayu Hospital to DB Mall Metro Station via Bairagarh Chichli, from Chirayu Hospital to DB Mall Metro Station, and from Chirayu Hospital to Coach Factory. These routes connect various vital parts of the city, aiming to benefit a larger number of commuters.

Addressing Transportation Challenges

Bhopal's public bus fleet has seen a sharp decline, from 368 city buses two years ago to less than 50 now. The introduction of these new e-buses is therefore crucial for the city's transport infrastructure. While existing bus stops are being utilized, allowing passengers to board and alight at the same stops as older buses, clarity on precise timings is still awaited, with a fixed timetable expected soon.

A total of 30 e-buses have arrived for Bhopal, with the first 10 now operational. This initiative is poised to be a major step towards making the city pollution-free and providing passengers with a comfortable and modern public transport experience.