Smart City to buy 100 electric buses for KSRTC

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Smart City has decided to purchase 100 electric buses for KSRTC services in the city. The new move is for utilization of funds. The decision has been made to utilize the funds by making maximum purchases, as the Centre has informed that the time will not be extended for Smart City which expires in June. It takes time to develop and implement new projects. The smart city officials are of the opinion that the amount can be utilized with this type of purchasing process.

An electric bus cost around Rs 94.5 lakh. The decision is to buy 100 buses but the quantity will be reduced according to the price. Two of the buses will run service to RCC and Medical College on behalf of the corporation at a reduced fare for patients. KSRTC welcomed the Smart City move with open arms. Electric buses cost Rs 23 to operate a kilometer including electricity and staff salaries. The average revenue is Rs 35 per km. The buses will be purchased on the understanding that a certain amount of revenue will go to Smart City and the remaining amount to KSRTC.

It was decided in the Smart City meeting held yesterday that the major projects should be completed before March. It is directed that the smart roads that have been damaged should be tarred before Attukal Pongala.