E-buses are Effective in Preventing Air Pollution

CHANDIGARH: Rapid urbanization has caused the greatest damage to the environment. Now, efforts are being made at various levels in almost every city to save the environment and especially electric vehicles are being promoted but it is necessary to examined that if electric buses or e-vehicles gives any benefits. Reportedly, It is estimated that the 40 e-buses running in Chandigarh since December 2021 have reduced CO2 emissions by 19.06 lakh kg and saved diesel worth Rs 6.08 crore as compared to diesel buses.

The E-buses are effective in preventing air pollution. Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) has prepared a report of these 40 e-buses till March 2023. Out of the first 40 electric buses, 11 buses started in November 2021. A few buses started operating in December-January. 40 more buses will run in November 2022. Now 80 more buses will be purchased. By the year 2027-28, CTU aims to convert all old diesel buses to electric on local and tricity routes.

Report of 40 E-buses.....

--36,10,120 km Covered
--7,22,024 liters of Diesel was Saved
--19,06,143 kg Carbon Emissions Reduced

Air pollution in Chandigarh also sometimes exceeds the prescribed limit, due to which the city has also been included in the National Clean Air Programme. The EV policy was notified in September 2022 itself, under which there is a provision to shift a portion of private vehicles to EVs. Category-wise EV registration targets have been fixed for the next five years. First, there is a provision to completely stop the registration of petrol two-wheelers from the financial year 2024-25. Along with this, about Rs 16 crore have been spent on the purchase of machines and vehicles and other related works to clean the air of Chandigarh.