Towards reducing pollution: In a first, J&K to procure 5 electric buses under FAME

In a bid to reduce pollution level, state government has initiated process for purchase of five electric buses.

The buses shall be purchased under “faster adoption and manufacturing of electric and hybrid vehicles in India” (FAME) scheme launched by heavy industries and public enterprises ministry. The scheme envisages that the centre government will provide 60 percent funding for the purchase of pollution free vehicles.

   

The state government has accorded sanction to the release of funds amounting to Rs 4.30 crore as state share under capex budget.

An order issued by planning department in this regard reads: “Sanction is hereby accorded in favor of transport department for purchase of five electric buses and required charging infrastructure during current financial year, through Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation under FAME scheme.”

A senior planning department official said, “Heavy Industries ministry will provide Rs 4.85 crore under central share for the scheme.”

“The announcement to procure electric buses was made during the second half of December 2017. It is a part of centre government’s initiative Swachhata Pakhawada under clean India mission,” he added.

“The selected cities are required to finalize the tendering process and issue supply order before 28 February 2018. Through this EOI, department of Heavy Industry is expected to spend about Rs. 437 crore under FAME India scheme (Phase I), which includes about Rs. 40 crore as incentives for installation of charging infrastructure,” official informed.

The state planning department in its order besides providing funds for purchase of electric buses it has also allocated funds for purchasing of charging devices for electric buses.

“The department will ensure establishment of charging infrastructure in parallel with procurement of buses. Procurement process to be through a fully competitive and transparent open e-tendering process. SRTC to fix/fares for sector on which these buses to be deployed well in advance before procurement of buses,” the planning department order reads.

Centre government is providing Rs 437 crore subsidy to 11 cities under FAME India, for launching electric buses, taxis and three-wheelers.

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