Vadodara: Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel flagged off 30 new AC electric buses from GSFC Gate No. 1 during the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference held in Vadodara. The Vadodara Municipal Corporation has launched this environmentally friendly public transport initiative under the Central Government’s flagship PM eBus Seva Scheme.

Keeping in view the growing transportation needs of Vadodara city, the Central Government has increased the allocation from the earlier 100 buses to a total of 250 AC electric buses. Under the first phase of the scheme, 130 buses will be deployed.

As these electric buses are equipped with zero-emission technology, they will help reduce the city’s carbon footprint while providing citizens with the benefit of cleaner air during their commute. All the buses are fully air-conditioned and noise-free, ensuring a more pleasant and comfortable travel experience. To enhance passenger safety, the buses are equipped with CCTV cameras, a Passenger Counting System, and a Driver Monitoring System. In addition, fire extinguishers and first aid kits have been provided to ensure safety in case of emergencies.

The buses are wheelchair-accessible. Priority seating has been reserved for Divyangs and senior citizens, while special “Pink Seats” have been reserved for women. Selected buses are also equipped with hydraulic lifts and ramps. Furthermore, modern passenger amenities such as digital ticketing, a GPS-based live tracking system, and a Passenger Information System for announcements will be available. Citizens will be able to purchase tickets through cash, UPI, ticketing cards, and mobile applications.

To ensure the smooth operation of the electric bus fleet, dedicated charging stations have been established at Gotri, Sayajigunj, Nizampura, Sayajipura, and Makarpura. DeshGujarat