Korba: Korba, an industrial city in Chhattisgarh, is preparing to introduce 40 electric buses to improve public transport, strengthen connectivity and provide residents with an environmentally friendly commuting option. Following approval from the Centre, preparations for the new electric bus service are progressing, and the buses are expected to begin operating on city roads before Diwali.
The project includes 20 large electric buses and 20 electric minibuses to serve major roads, residential colonies and suburban areas. The initiative is expected to improve access to schools, hospitals, railway stations and other important destinations while reducing dependence on conventional fuel-powered vehicles.
However, the proposed auction of 48 old city buses parked at the Pratiksha bus stand in Darri since the COVID-19 pandemic remains pending due to a lack of government approval. The delay has raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of the old buses and the availability of space for the new electric fleet.
Korba Electric Bus Project: 40 Buses to Improve Public Transport
The introduction of 40 electric buses is part of efforts to modernise Korba’s public transport system under the Centre’s PM-eBus Sewa and urban transport development initiatives.
The new fleet will be divided into two categories based on the requirements of different parts of the city. While larger buses will operate on major roads and connect important locations, smaller buses will serve residential colonies and narrow internal roads.
The service is expected to make daily commuting more convenient for residents, including schoolchildren, senior citizens and patients who need access to educational institutions and hospitals.
Key highlights of the electric bus project:
- Total buses: 40 electric buses.
- Large buses: 20 buses measuring nine metres in length.
- Minibuses: 20 buses measuring seven metres in length.
- Expected launch: Before Diwali.
- Main objective: Improve urban and suburban connectivity while promoting cleaner public transport.
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Charging Station and Workshop Construction More Than 75% Complete
Preparations for the electric bus service include the construction of a modern charging substation and an administrative workshop at the Pratiksha bus stand in Darri.
The infrastructure is being developed at an estimated cost of around Rs 1.54 crore. These facilities will support the charging, maintenance and day-to-day operation of the new electric fleet.
Officials have also been working on route planning and training technical staff to ensure that the buses can operate efficiently once the service begins.
Korba Municipal Corporation Commissioner Ashutosh Pandey said the infrastructure and charging station work was more than 75% complete. He added that senior engineers from the municipal corporation had visited Pune to inspect the buses and discuss their specifications.
According to Pandey, the process is expected to require another one to two months, while the buses will be made available to the municipal corporation after the government issues the necessary instructions.
20 Large Electric Buses to Connect Major Areas of Korba
The project includes 20 large electric buses, each measuring nine metres in length. These buses will operate on major roads and connect important commercial, industrial and transport locations.
The planned routes will link Korba city with several surrounding areas, helping residents travel between the city centre and key destinations.
Proposed routes for large electric buses include:
- Bankimongra
- Dipka
- BALCO
- Hardi Bazar
- Railway station
- Other major roads and intersections
The larger buses are expected to strengthen connectivity on busy routes and make public transport more accessible to people travelling for work, education and other daily activities.
20 Electric Minibuses to Serve Residential Colonies and Narrow Roads
The remaining 20 electric minibuses will measure seven metres in length and operate in residential colonies, densely populated neighbourhoods and narrower internal roads that may not be suitable for larger buses.
Their routes are planned to cover several residential and commercial areas, including RP Nagar, MP Nagar and TP Nagar, along with other inner settlements.
The smaller buses are expected to improve last-mile connectivity and make it easier for residents to reach schools, hospitals, markets and other essential services.
Proposed areas for electric minibuses include:
- RP Nagar
- MP Nagar
- TP Nagar
- Inner residential settlements
- Other densely populated neighbourhoods
The service is particularly expected to benefit schoolchildren, senior citizens and patients who rely on public transport for regular travel.
Electric Buses Expected to Cover Around 200 Km on a Full Charge
Each electric bus is expected to cover approximately 200 kilometres on a full charge. The buses are planned for urban and suburban operations, with daily route distances expected to reach around 400 kilometres.
As electric vehicles, the buses will not produce exhaust emissions during operation. Their introduction is expected to help reduce local air pollution and carbon emissions while lowering dependence on diesel and petrol.
The shift to electric public transport could also help reduce fuel-related expenditure and support the city’s broader environmental sustainability goals.
Expected benefits of the electric bus service include:
- Reduced exhaust emissions during operation.
- Lower dependence on diesel and petrol.
- Improved connectivity between urban and suburban areas.
- More convenient access to schools and hospitals.
- Potential reduction in traffic congestion by encouraging public transport use.
Auction of 48 Old City Buses Awaits Government Approval
While preparations for the electric bus service continue, the proposed auction of 48 old city buses remains pending. The buses have been parked at the Pratiksha bus stand in Darri since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Municipal Corporation’s Electrical and Mechanical Department has assessed the vehicles and fixed their minimum auction prices. However, the tendering process cannot move forward until the required government approval is received.
Officials are concerned that further delays could reduce the value of the old buses as their condition continues to deteriorate. Their continued presence could also create parking and maintenance constraints for the incoming electric fleet.
The municipal corporation has submitted a proposal for the auction, and the process is expected to proceed once the necessary approval is granted.
Korba Commissioner Ashutosh Pandey on Electric Bus Launch
Korba Municipal Corporation Commissioner Ashutosh Pandey said preparations for the electric bus project were progressing, with infrastructure and charging station construction more than 75% complete.
He stated that senior municipal engineers had travelled to Pune to inspect the buses and discuss their specifications. The process is expected to take another one to two months.
Pandey also said the electric buses would be made available to the municipal corporation after the government issued the required instructions. The proposal to auction the old buses has also been submitted and is awaiting approval.
He added that the route plan had been designed to cover as many populated areas around Korba as possible. The smaller buses would help extend public transport to locations that larger buses cannot easily access.
The administration hopes that a more convenient and comfortable public transport service will encourage residents to reduce their dependence on private vehicles, helping ease traffic congestion.
Electric Buses May Improve Evening Connectivity in Korba’s Suburban Areas
Limited public transport availability during the evening remains a concern in several suburban areas around Korba. Residents of Darri, Jamnipali, BALCO, Bankimongra and Kusmunda often face difficulties finding transport for their return journeys from the city centre.
The introduction of the new electric buses is expected to improve connectivity on urban and suburban routes, particularly for people travelling between residential areas and the main city.
With 40 electric buses planned for different routes, the project aims to provide residents with a more reliable public transport option while supporting cleaner mobility.
However, the timely completion of charging infrastructure, finalisation of routes and receipt of the necessary government instructions will be important for the service to begin as planned.
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