If things go well, Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) may introduce app-based buses in Noida and Greater Noida. With the services, users will be able to gauge things like number of seats and the closest bus available through the hi-tech app. The company has awarded the contract to a Pune-based company, which is an integrated bus service provider, to ply 105 buses for 13 routes between Noida and Greater Noida region. Additionally, it would also introduce the buses for the first time in the country for disabled.
According to the officials, the Corporation has initially given the order for 105 buses. The total cost of buses, depot and office set-up would be Rs 120 crore to fund which the NMRC will take a loan and also look for strategic alliance and equity. The NMRC might go ahead with the app and other technical advancements in the buses. These buses will be high-tech AC buses fitted with GPS and also disabled-friendly. These buses will be low floor buses which will be beneficial for all type of commuters and will be running on CNG.
“Authorities have been planning to ensure smooth travel by facilitating services. If we connect services from highly advanced apps and link Metro services with buses, we will not only ensure last mile connectivity but will be able to provide Metro-type facilities in buses. The buses will ensure connectivity in and around the cities and between Noida and Greater Noida. And if things go well, expansion of the service will also take place,” said a senior official.
Meanwhile, in another development, a China-based company will supply trains for the 30-km Noida-Greater Noida Metro link. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and the China-based company signed an agreement in this regard on Thursday in the national Capital. NMRC, which owns the under-construction project, has delegated the construction of this link to DMRC. The Metro line is expected to start trials by May 2017 and open to public by November 2017. DMRC officials said they require 19 trains for this link, which will have a capacity to ferry 19,646 passengers. Each train will have four coaches, which means that we will have a total 76 coaches. A train can accommodate 1,034 passengers at one go. The Noida-Greater Noida Metro link, the longest link outside Delhi, will connect remote areas of Greater Noida that share a border with Dadri. The total budget for the 30-km Metro project is Rs 5,400 crore. The Noida Authority is funding majority of the cost, while the Central government, UP government and Greater Noida Authority will share the remaining costs.