As another attempt towards e-mobility, KSRTC has invited tenders to hire 250 non-AC electric buses for Kerala. These buses will be hired for intercity operations for 10 years. Charging facilities for e-buses are available at Pappanamcode, Haripad, Aluva and Ernakulam depots of KSRTC.

250 non-AC electric buses for Kerala

KSRTC invited three different tenders for each zone – Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode. 100 e-buses each will be allotted for Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam zone and 50 buses will be plied under Kozhikode zone. It has demanded for 12-metre long buses with minimum 40 seats (34 seats in case wheel access and locking facility is available) which are best suited for city roads. The buses will offer a range of 250km on single charge.

It was supposed to operate more e-buses on Nilakkal-Pamba route for Sabarimala season. But only one applicant had qualified in the previous bid invited by the transport corporation and the tender was cancelled.

As per the agreement, the bidder has to meet the operating expenses and provide a driver. Then KSRTC will deploy its conductor and make necessary arrangements for passenger fare collection.

Charging facilities for e-buses are available at Pappanamcode, Haripad, Aluva and Ernakulam depots of KSRTC. The routes will be planned based on KSEB proposal to install electric vehicle charging stations. National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) along with automatic fare collection devices, mobile charging points and Wi-Fi facility will also be available in these buses.

“These buses are suitable for intercity routes. More charging stations can be installed in other depots after the buses are taken on wet lease. Also, the plan to purchase e-buses under FAME scheme (faster adoption and manufacturing of (hybrid and) electric vehicles) of Union ministry is being considered. E-buses can be purchased at 50% subsidy in the scheme,” said an official of the transport department.

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