Nashik Gets Rs 5 Crore Grant for Electric Bus Depot to Boost Sustainable Transport
The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has received a significant Rs 5 crore grant from the Centre under the PM e-bus seva scheme. The grant is intended to support the construction of an electric bus depot on the outskirts of Nashik, at the Adgaon truck terminus. This new infrastructure project aligns with the city’s goals to modernise its public transport system and contribute to cleaner air.
The total cost of the electric bus depot project is estimated at Rs 27 crore, which will be partly funded through the National Clean Air Programme (N-CAP) and the PM e-bus seva scheme. Of the total project cost, Rs 15 crore will be allocated from N-CAP, aimed at improving the city’s air quality, while the remaining Rs 12 crore will come from the Centre’s e-bus initiative. NMC officials are optimistic that this project will be pivotal in shifting towards cleaner, greener public transport solutions. The proposed depot will have a capacity to park 100 electric buses, with facilities to charge 25 vehicles simultaneously. This high-tech charging station is a critical aspect of the project, enabling the efficient operation of electric buses across the city. A dedicated power substation will also be set up at the depot at an estimated cost of Rs 3.5 crore, ensuring that the energy requirements of the fleet are met. The depot will occupy around 20 acres of land and will be designed to accommodate the future expansion of electric buses in the city.
This development forms part of a broader initiative to combat pollution and modernise transport infrastructure in Nashik. NMC has already secured Rs 86 crore under N-CAP for various environmental projects, with Rs 15 crore earmarked specifically for the electric bus depot. The Centre has approved the addition of 50 electric buses for the city under the PM e-bus seva scheme, and NMC is in the process of signing an agreement with a private agency to operate and manage these buses. Officials are eager to see the buses on the road as soon as possible, with plans to ensure that they serve key routes within the city and reduce the reliance on polluting vehicles. Construction work for the new depot has already begun, and officials are hopeful the project will be completed on time. They expect the electric buses to provide a significant boost to the city’s transportation system by offering a clean and efficient alternative to traditional diesel-powered buses.
The NMC’s commitment to improving urban mobility aligns with the Centre’s ongoing focus on clean energy and sustainable transport. For residents, the new electric buses will not only enhance the overall efficiency of public transportation but also improve air quality. Local officials are optimistic that the electric bus depot and the introduction of e-buses will transform public transport in Nashik, setting a strong example for other cities to follow. As the construction progresses, NMC officials are ensuring that the project remains on schedule and are focused on the successful integration of electric buses into the city’s public transport network. The collaboration between local and central government agencies is expected to bring about significant positive changes to urban transport, making Nashik a cleaner, more sustainable city in the near future.
