UPSRTC to Introduce 120 Electric Buses in NCR to Combat Air Pollution

The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) is preparing to introduce 120 electric buses in the National Capital Region (NCR) cities, including Noida and Ghaziabad. This move is part of a broader effort to reduce air pollution, particularly during the winter months, by phasing out diesel buses in these areas. 

Government Directive

KP Singh, Special Secretary to the Government, recently communicated with the transport department, emphasizing that while diesel buses will continue to operate in other districts, NCR cities will exclusively use electric buses. This decision is in line with the directives from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which aims to address the severe pollution levels in NCR during winter.

Investment and Implementation

UPSRTC has allocated INR 200 crore for the procurement of these electric buses. This investment is crucial as it supports CAQM’s directive that all buses originating from NCR districts and traveling to Delhi must be either electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel. By June 30, 2026, the plan is for all buses operating within NCR to switch entirely to CNG or electric vehicles.

Current Bus Operations in NCR

Currently, around 300 Roadways buses operate daily from depots in Noida and Greater Noida, connecting NCR with cities like Meerut, Agra, Bulandshahr, and Lucknow. Some of these buses also serve Delhi depots, including Sarai Kale Khan, Kashmiri Gate, and Anand Vihar. Ghaziabad, another key NCR city, has about 700 UPSRTC buses running from its depots in Kaushambi, Loni, and Sahibabad. These buses primarily operate on CNG at present.

Awaiting Further Guidelines

A UPSRTC official in Noida confirmed the proposal to introduce electric buses but mentioned that detailed guidelines from the government are still awaited. The official assured that the process would be facilitated once the guidelines are received.

CAQM’s Broader Measures

The CAQM has recognized the transport sector as a significant contributor to air pollution in Delhi-NCR, particularly during winter. A recent directive mandates that state governments ensure a substantial number of buses run on electricity by June 30, 2028. Additionally, CAQM has instructed urban local bodies in Delhi to review parking charges for private vehicles by September 30, with new charges expected to take effect in winter.

Conclusion

The introduction of electric buses in NCR cities marks a significant step towards reducing air pollution in the region. With the government’s continued focus on transitioning to cleaner transportation options, this initiative is expected to play a vital role in improving air quality during the critical winter months.