Guwahati to witness transition to a fully green public transport system : CM

As a part of government’s bid towards a pollution-free environment in Assam, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma dedicated 200 AC e-Buses which will ply across Guwahati and its adjoining areas at a programme held at Rupnagar here.

It may be noted that after the launch of 100 CNG buses, introduction of e-buses reflects government of Assam’s unflinching commitment towards green public transport.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma said that climate change is one of the gravest problems that the world is facing today. Flagging off 200 e-buses on the first day of the year, reflects Assam Government’s unwavering commitment towards greener environment and more particularly greener Guwahati. He said that the State Cabinet in the year 2021 on 20 August took a decision to introduce 100 CNG buses and 200 e-buses. In line with the decision, 100 CNG buses were introduced in the year 2023 and the first January of 2024 witnessed the introduction of 200 more e-buses. He also said that as a part of the government’s commitment Guwahati will  completely go for transition to a fully green transport system in next two years.

Fitted with different state of the art facilities, these buses will ply in Guwahati Municipal Corporation areas besides Chandrapur, Dharapur, Mirza, AIIMS Guwahati, Sualkuchi, Baihata Chariali, Jagiroad etc. Moreover, a seamless state of the art charging facilities have been integrated for efficient operations of the buses at Runagar, Betkuchi, Mirza, Baihata Chariali, Jagiroad. Moreover, e-vehicles will also be introduced in public transport and therefore, State government is giving government subsidy to expedite introduction of electric vehicles across the segment. The Chief Minister also said that if private parties come forward in setting up charging stations, Government will provide adequate support in such ventures. He also called upon every stake holder to help the government’s concerted efforts to the gradual phasing out of fossil fuel driven vehicles from Guwahati.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is not only leading the nation but also the world in increasing the use of green energy by 500 giga watt by 2030 and reducing the carbon emission by one billion tonne, the Chief Minister said that government is working very astutely to bring down carbon emission to zero by 2070.  Dr. Sarma also said that the present State government is taking a lot of measures to curb environmental pollution which will start giving results within 4-5 years.

The Chief Minister said that considering the security of the people of Guwahati, State government is working to install two thousand CCTV cameras across the city. He also asked Guwahati Smart City limited to complete the project expeditiously. He also said that as a result of joint operations of Police and Transport department, in the month of December road accidents came down by 37 per cent.

Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma at the same programme also launched National Mobility Card. With this introduction, Assam has become the country’s third state to adopt this Rupay Powered Card which would offer customers seamless access to various transport modes. The Chief Minister on the occasion also sought blessings from the people of state to help the ministers and government officers and enable them to dedicate themselves to the service of the people of Assam.

Cabinet members of the State Council of Ministers Atul Bora, Chandra Mohan Patowary, Keshab Mahanta, Pijush Hazarika, Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Ajanta Neog, Parimal Suklabaidya, Ashok Singhal, UG Brahma, Jogen Mohan, Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Jayanta Mallabaruah, Nandita Garlosa, MP Queen Oja, Pabitra Margherita, Chairman ASTC Mission Ranjan Das, Chief Secretary Paban Kumar Borthakur and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.