Strengthen bus services in Gurugram, Faridabad to combat pollution: HSPCB Chairman
Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) Chairman P Raghavendra Rao has asked the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) and the Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority (FMDA) to strengthen public transport in Gurugram and Faridabad to combat pollution. Rao was in city today to discuss the Haryana Government’s Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development.
The project aims to combat pollution and promote sustainable development across Haryana and will be funded by the World Bank. The project is set for implementation over six years with Rs 3,600 crore allocated for its first phase, wherein Gurugram and Faridabad will be the primary focus areas.
The HSPCB Chairman said Rs 1,100 crore have been earmarked for the transport sectors and there is immense scope for both cities to further augment their city bus transport network and hence contribute towards combating air pollution in the state.
The GMDA CEO, A Sreenivas, presented the existing framework of bus services in both the smart cities and outlined the plans being taken up by the authorities to further augment both infrastructure and manpower capacities for strengthening the public transport structures for the benefit of the public at large.
Currently, two depots under GMDA are operational in Sectors 10 and 52 and work for development of bus depot in Sector 48 along with provision of electric substation will soon be underway. The authority has also identified land parcels for the development of new e-bus depots in Sectors 29, 65, 103 and 107. Similarly, the FMDA is also planning the development of a bus depot in Sector 61 spanning 10 acres area to accommodate 200 buses.
The HSPCB Chairman also discussed plans to expand the bus fleet to accommodate a larger passenger base in both cities. Sreenivas reported that the current GMCBL fleet consists of 200 buses, with 100 new e-buses to be added under the PM e-Bus Seva scheme. Additionally, the authority will procure 300 more e-buses. Similarly, 100 e-buses will be introduced in Faridabad under the PM e-Bus Seva scheme, with the FMDA planning to procure an additional 100 e-buses to enhance the city’s bus services.
The HSPCB Chairman emphasised the importance of ensuring adequate power supply for charging the e-buses and suggested that the authority coordinate with DHBVN on this matter. He also recommended exploring the recruitment of manpower to ensure smooth operations before the new buses are delivered.
The CEO of GMDA-FMDA said all critical aspects were being addressed, including resolving any existing land issues in coordination with the relevant departments.
