Mail News Service
Ranchi, July 24: In a major step towards eco-friendly public transport, Ranchi is set to become the second city in India after Nagpur to operate advanced flash-charging electric double-decker buses. These state-of-the-art buses, costing over Rs 1.25 crore each, will run at a speed of 120 kmph and will be capable of charging within just 15 seconds. Once charged, they can cover a distance of up to 40 kilometres.
The initiative was confirmed following a meeting between Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Ranchi MP and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth in New Delhi on Wednesday. Seth thanked Gadkari for inaugurating the Ratu Road Elevated Corridor and requested his support for introducing flash-charging buses, constructing an outer ring road for Ranchi and adorning the elevated corridor with traditional Sohrai artwork, a tribal folk painting from Jharkhand.
During the meeting, Gadkari directed officials to begin preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for all three projects. He sanctioned Rs 6,500 crore for the Ranchi outer ring road project and approved the DPR for the new bus service.
“These flash-charging buses will not only run within Ranchi city but also connect Ranchi to Jamshedpur. Each bus will have a capacity of 135 passengers and special facilities for differently-abled individuals,” said Sanjay Seth. “There will be dedicated seating and even tea and coffee counters inside,” he added.
Seth expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nitin Gadkari, stating, “These visionary projects will give a new identity to the capital of Jharkhand and promote sustainable development and cultural pride.”
The Ratu Road elevated corridor will soon be decorated with themes showcasing Jharkhand’s rich heritage, forest, water and land, using vibrant Sohrai art.
