Belagavi is on the verge of a major upgrade to its public transportation system as the Times of India reports the arrival of 50 new electric buses soon. The North-Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) is taking steps to introduce over 350 electric buses in Hubballi-Dharwad and Belagavi, to provide commuters with luxurious and eco-friendly travel options.
In response to the increased demand resulting from the Shakti scheme, which offers free bus rides for women, NWKRTC has initiated a tender process for these electric buses under a gross cost contract (GCC) model, which is now in its final stages.
The shift towards electric buses is motivated by the desire to mitigate the health risks associated with diesel bus emissions and to enhance urban air quality. Electric buses offer zero emissions and superior performance in terms of drivability, maintenance, and efficiency.
Currently, NWKRTC spends Rs 48 per kilometer on diesel buses. If the new e-bus service can operate at a lower cost, it will not only benefit the financial health of the corporation but also improve the quality of service for commuters.
The electric buses will serve both city and intercity routes, with 150 buses allocated to urban areas—100 in Hubballi-Dharwad and 50 in Belagavi—and 200 buses connecting Hubballi and Belagavi to neighboring towns.
Under the GCC model, service providers will be responsible for procuring, operating, and maintaining non-AC e-buses. They will also need to establish charging facilities at designated locations provided by NWKRTC, as well as arrange for drivers. NWKRTC will supply conductors and pay a fixed price per kilometer of operation.
The selected service provider must set up the necessary charging infrastructure within six months of contract award, with three locations identified for charging stations. The e-bus contract will span ten years, with the aim of modernizing and greening the public transport network.