The historic city of Panipat marked a significant milestone in sustainable and convenient transportation as Chief Minister Manohar Lal inaugurated the Electric City Bus Service from the new bus stand in Siwah, Panipat. The initiative aims not only to provide convenient transportation but also to reduce environmental pollution. The Chief Minister announced that the first seven days of travel on these electric buses would be free, encouraging people to choose public transportation over private vehicles. The City Bus Service routes will be carefully planned to meet the demands and needs of the city residents.
Currently, three electric city buses have been introduced in Panipat, and five more will be added soon. The fare for the City Bus Service will range from Rs. 10 to Rs. 50, covering a distance of 28 to 30 kilometers. The service will be expanded systematically to the villages surrounding the city, as announced by the Chief Minister. He extended best wishes to the people of Panipat on the commencement of the City Bus Service and personally traveled on the bus, accompanied by dignitaries.
The Chief Minister shared that after launching electric city bus services in Panipat and Jagadhri, the government aims to start similar services in seven more cities by June 2024. The unique project involves 450 modern, environmentally friendly electric buses, costing more than 2450 crores over 12 years, a significant step toward a pollution-free environment.
e emphasized Haryana’s appeal to investors, the ease of doing business, and job opportunities for local youth. The Principal Secretary of the Transport Department, Navdeep Virk, shared details about new bus stands and the appointment of Convergence Energy Services Limited as a consultant for the bus tendering process. An order for 375 buses has been placed under the National E-Bus Plan, along with plans to introduce mini-buses.
Infrastructure milestones: Haryana’s connectivity triumphs
Manohar Lal highlighted the improvements in road, rail, and air connectivity in the state over the past nine years. He mentioned the construction of railway tracks, elevated tracks, and the maintenance and construction of roads. The Chief Minister also provided information on upcoming projects, including an expressway, a Rapid Rail Transport System, an orbital rail service, and a new airport in Hisar.
