State's first AC battery-powered buses run on New Town roads

The three buses which have been introduced in Action Area I and II have already completed 3,000 rides. The buses are covering the routes which have not been covered by other buses yet. The fare of the buses is Rs 10. Like in foreign countries, the buses do not have conductors and the drivers collect the fares.

The drivers were given training before the buses were introduced. Proper signage has been put up for passengers. Stations have been set up where batteries can be recharged.

The average speed of the bus varies anything between 40 to 50 km per hour. The body of the 32 sitter bus has been built by Eicher and the Karnataka based KPIT has made the electrical system. The buses are following a circular route.

Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO) also proposes to introduce electric vehicles in New Town. Talks with some agencies are on. This will further bring down the emission level.

The cycle sharing scheme, introduced for the first time in the country, has been a major success and New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) has recently bagged a national award given by Housing Urban Development Corporation ( HUDCO) under Urban Transport Category.

There is a plan to introduce more cycles under the scheme. Graded paths for cycles have been built in New Town to facilitate the users.

Many green buildings have come up in New Town. The waste water is recycled and the purified is used to water the roadside plants. HIDCO has decided to increase the green cover. Eco-friendly LED lamps will be installed in phases.