100 electric buses to soon hit Gurugram roads: Govt

The announcement by State Urban Minister Kavita Jain to introduce electric buses in Gurugram was another grand news by government to improve the public transport system in one of the most polluted cities of the country.

In her statement, the minister remarked that following the Poland model around 75 to 100 electric buses will be introduced in the roads of Gurugram.

The announcement may have provided fillip to enhance the public transportation system of Gurugram, however, most of the residents remain sceptical over the government's claims.

While slew of measures have been announced by the Haryana government in the past to improve the public transport, most of it have still not been implemented or have been stalled. Some of these projects include phasing out diesel autos, starting the work on the extension of metro lines and bringing in more buses and the project of starting caterpillar train.

Sources in the government however highlight that certain hurdles may have delayed certain projects but steps are being taken toward revamping the public transport system.

Recently, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Delhi Integrated Multi Modal Transit System (DIMTS) and Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) where 500 buses will be introduced on city roads by December. Though there were some challenges on the funding issues, sources in the GMDA claimed that matter has been resolved and the project is underway.

"Till the time there is no new development on the ground there will be scepticism over the claims. There were plans to phase out diesel autos yet they continue to move around in large number. Announcements were made on increasing

the city buses yet at present there are negligible local buses," said Aman Chugh, a city resident.

The limited route of metro and rapid metro have resulted in most of the residents depending on the cab taxis or their private transport.