Latest news with #JNNURM
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
30 New E-Buses Remain Idle As Charging Infra Not Ready
1 2 3 Nagpur: Even as Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has inducted 30 new air-conditioned electric buses into its Aapli Bus fleet on June 22 with much fanfare in the presence of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, the vehicles remain idle due to absence of charging infrastructure. These buses are part of the long-pending 250 e-bus project sanctioned by Fadnavis in 2023. Though delivered by Hansa Vahan India Pvt Ltd, which is implementing the project in partnership with Pune-based EKA Mobility, the firm's permanent charging depot at Wathoda is still under construction and will take another four to six months to become operational. To avoid further delay in deploying the new buses, the firm has approached existing Aapli Bus operators — EV Trans and PMI Electro Mobility — for temporary access to at least three charging points each at either their Wadi or Lakadganj depots. NMC has also temporarily allotted space at Matrushakti E-Depot in Lakadganj for setting up provisional charging stations. The arrival of these 30 e-buses increases Nagpur's electric bus fleet from 230 to 260, and the overall Aapli Bus fleet to 539, including 150 midi buses, 45 mini buses, and 237 standard diesel buses procured under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) scheme. Many of the diesel buses have already crossed their 15-year lifespan. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like "밤새 나던 종아리 쥐가 사라졌어요!', 막힌 혈관 찌꺼기 싹~ 청소한 "이것.' 대박이네!! 카이스트 건강비결 더 알아보기 Undo In the first phase, NMC scrapped 123 such buses and plans to phase out more as new electric buses arrive. The goal is to gradually replace the ageing fleet with zero-emission alternatives. The Rs550 crore electric bus project faced multiple delays on account of several factors, including the enforcement of model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. The project gained traction only in 2024 after NMC awarded the contract to Hansa Vahan. In addition, NMC expects the first batch of 150 e-buses under Pradhan Mantri e-Bus Sewa scheme to arrive next month and has sent a proposal for another 240 e-buses. "We aim to fully electrify the city's public transport fleet by 2029," a senior official said.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
NMC to deploy 850 E-buses in two years
Nagpur: In a major push for sustainable public transport, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) will introduce 850 electric buses (E-buses) over the next two years, replacing the ageing diesel fleet. The expansion will also include a dedicated e-bus service to and from Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, aimed at providing seamless connectivity for air travellers. Out of the proposed 850 e-buses, 30 were already procured under the first phase with funding of Rs137 crore sanctioned by the state govt in April 2023, following a 2023 budget announcement by then deputy chief minister and current CM Devendra Fadnavis. These 30 e-buses will be launched on new routes from July 1, with route finalisation underway. As of now, NMC operates 445 city buses, including 214 e-buses. The number will gradually increase with the addition of 230 nine-metre and 250 twelve-metre electric buses. Supporting infrastructure is being developed, with depots to come up at Wathoda and Khapri, and a dedicated charging depot named Matrishakti E-Depot in Lakadganj. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Additionally, 150 buses will be received under the PM Shri scheme. The transformation comes as the NMC begins decommissioning 76 remaining diesel buses — part of a 240-bus fleet purchased in 2009 under JNNURM. All diesel buses are to be phased out by December 2025. Transport manager Vinod Jadhav said operating costs are expected to drop by up to 40%, making the transition both environmentally and economically beneficial. He added that airport routes will be finalised based on flight timings to ensure reliable and affordable last-mile connectivity. With 1.4 lakh daily commuters, NMC also plans to revise existing routes and introduce new ones to enhance public transport coverage.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
30 new AC e-buses roll in, Aapli Bus EV fleet to grow to 260
1 2 Nagpur: The city's push towards cleaner and greener public transport is gaining pace, with 30 new air-conditioned electric buses arriving this week under the much-delayed 250 e-bus project sanctioned in 2023 by then deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. These buses will soon be inducted into the Aapli Bus service, increasing the electric vehcile fleet from 230 to 260. The Aapli Bus fleet now comprises a total of 539 buses, including 150 midi buses, 45 mini buses, and 237 standard diesel buses procured under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). Out of the 230 electric midi buses already in service, 184 are air-conditioned while 46 are non-AC. Many of the 237 standard diesel buses have surpassed their 15-year lifespan. Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has already begun phasing them out. In the first phase, 123 such ageing buses were scrapped, and more are expected to be replaced gradually as electric buses arrive. In 2023, Fadnavis sanctioned Rs136 crore for the procurement of 250 AC e-buses. However, the project was marred by delays, including the enforcement of the model code of conduct during the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Costco Shoppers Say This Wrinkle Cream Is "Actually Worth It" The Skincare Magazine Undo The Rs550 crore project finally gained traction in 2024 when NMC awarded the contract to Hansa Vahan India Private Limited, which partnered with EKA Mobility for the execution. "NMC twice floated tenders for this project. Hyderabad-based Olectra and Nagpur-based Hansa Vahan India Pvt Ltd emerged as top contenders. Hansa's competitive bid of Rs62.84 per km was significantly lower than Olectra's Rs77.91, leading to the selection of the local firm. NMC issued the Letter of Award on October 11, 2023, and gave the firm 300 days to supply and operate all 250 buses," said a senior transport official. As per the Request for Proposal (RFP), the selected contractor is to operate the 250 air-conditioned electric buses under this scheme at a cost of Rs62.91 per kilometre. The state govt is offering a subsidy of Rs55 lakh per bus, while the remaining cost will be borne by the operator. NMC will pay the operator based on the kilometres operated. The official added that NMC has already received the first lot of 30 e-buses from the company. Construction of depots is underway at Wathoda and Khapri. Meanwhile, the company has been temporarily allotted space at the Matrishakti E-Depot in Lakadganj for setting up a charging station, allowing it to begin operations while permanent infrastructure is developed. In addition, the civic body is expecting the first lot of e-buses next month as part of the 150 sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri e-Bus Sewa scheme. Besides this, NMC has also sent a proposal to the PMe-Bus Sewa scheme to allocate another 240 e-buses. "By next year, NMC plans to phase out the remaining JNNURM standard buses. By 2029, our target is to convert the entire city fleet to electric, achieving zero emissions in public transport operations," the official said.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Madurai's neglected channels expose years of civic failure
Madurai: The hasty cover-up of garbage along Panthalkudi channel ahead of chief minister M K Stalin's roadshow may have briefly hidden the waste, but it laid bare a long-festering crisis. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Madurai has over 16 open channels, most now clogged, neglected, and reduced to garbage dumps. Ancient waterways like the Kiruthumal have become sewage drains, choked by encroachments and civic apathy. A turf war between the public works department (PWD) and the Madurai Corporation over desilting and maintenance has stalled action. Within the corporation, blame shifts between departments, with engineers faulting poor garbage collection for the rampant dumping. As urban growth surges, these neglected water corridors — once flood lifelines — resurface in public attention only during VIP visits. "Madurai naturally has a good drainage system that prevents flooding by channeling water to the Vaigai," said Tamil Dasan, convener of the Madurai Nature Cultural Forum. "But now, sewage flows through these channels year-round, showing how residential waste is being illegally diverted." Civic activists argue desilting alone won't help unless sewage inflow and solid waste dumping are curbed. "Stormwater drains are being misused as open drainage lines," said activist M Raj Kumar, pointing to the Kiruthumal and Avaniyapuram channels. This was highlighted in the final report by the consultant recruited by the corporation, who studied the stormwater drain network in the city." "The corporation is accountable for cleaning and protecting these channels," said M Rajan of the Vaigai Nathi Makkal Iyakkam. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With the monsoon nearing, he stressed the need for urgent action. AIADMK councillors have accused both the corporation and PWD of inaction. Opposition leader M Solai Raja called the desilting efforts an eyewash. "Jurisdiction isn't the issue — intention is. The corporation undertook channel concretisation under JNNURM between 2006 and 2014. We've been demanding special funds for desilting for three years," he said. A fresh point of debate is the draft detailed project report (DPR) proposing concrete lining for channels — a move earlier criticised for blocking water percolation. "This will stop groundwater recharge," warned S S Bose of the Meenakshi Nagar Residents' Association. "We need sand beds, not concrete. And the corporation should take full control of the channels, as in Chennai." Corporation commissioner Chitra Vijayan told TOI that desilting would be completed before the monsoon using general funds. "At Panthalkudi, we are also repairing nearby sewerage networks using the same funds, and we will see a visible improvement in the appearance of the channel in the coming days," she said. The corporation has sought full maintenance rights from the PWD. Meanwhile, a senior PWD official said desilting of the Kiruthumal and Nilaiyur channels has begun at a cost of ₹15 crore. **List of the 16 Main Channels:** 1. Kiruthumal Channel 2. Vandiyur Channel 3. Panthalkudi Channel 4. Avaniyapuram Channel 5. Nilaiyur Channel 6. Panthalkudi Channel 7. Melamadai Channel 8. Anupanadi Channel 9. Jaihindpuram main Channel 10. Sellur Channel 11. Madakulam Channel 12. Muthupatti Channel 13. Kosakulam Channel 14. Thandalai Channel 15. Panaiyur Channel 16. Chintamani Channel **Total Estimated Length of all Channels in City limits:** Around 170 kilometres **Key Issues:** - Sewage mixing with rainwater channels - Garbage dumping in open drains - Confusion over maintenance responsibility - Lack of regular desilting - Encroachments blocking flow - Stormwater drains used as sewage lines **Suggested Solutions:** - Hand over channels to Madurai Corporation - Seal sewage inlets into channels - Improve waste collection - Avoid full concrete lining, retain sand beds - Allocate dedicated desilting funds - Raise public awareness on channel misuse **Modern Interventions in Channels** **Methodology Used in Corporations** **IoT-Based Drain Monitoring** Sensors and cameras track water levels and blockages in real-time. Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru **Drone and GIS Mapping** Drones survey channels; GIS maps help plan cleaning and detect encroachments. Coimbatore, Pune, Hyderabad **Bioremediation** Uses natural microbes to treat sewage in open drains. Delhi, Pune, Ludhiana **Smart Desilting Machines** Robotic tools remove silt from drains without manual work Chennai, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram (Even piloted in Madurai) MSID:: 121887027 413 |
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
NMC seeks 240 more e-buses, begins scrapping old fleet
In a major push for sustainable public transport , the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) submitted a proposal to Maharashtra govt seeking 240 additional electric buses under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme . This move coincides with civic body's phased scrapping of 237 old diesel-run buses procured over a decade ago under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). In a letter to urban development department, municipal commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari requested 140 standard 12-metre electric AC buses and 100 midi 9-metre electric AC buses. The proposal follows a directive from the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs (MoHUA), which invited cities to indicate if they require additional electric alternatives under the central scheme. Earlier, NMC was allotted 150 electric buses under the scheme and is now looking to further bolster its clean-energy fleet. The civic body highlighted its preparedness to handle the additional buses, pointing to progress in building depot charging infrastructure and back-end power systems essential for electric operations. Confirming the development, Aapli Bus administrative officer Sonam Deshmukh said the detailed proposal, including technical specifications, infrastructure plans, and required undertakings, was submitted to the state-level steering committee for approval. "The expansion is expected to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and enhance daily commuting experience through quieter and more reliable transport," she said. NMC previously owned 539 buses, including 237 sanctioned under JNNURM. These are being phased out in two stages: the first phase involves auctioning 123 buses, followed by another 114 in the second phase. Currently, NMC operates 150 midi, 45 mini, and 230 electric buses. Of the electric fleet, 184 are AC buses and 46 are non-AC. These buses run on 129 routes with an average of 6,209 daily trips, covering nearly one lakh kilometres and serving around 1.17 lakh commuters each day. This year, another 400 AC electric buses will be added to the Aapli Bus fleet—250 from the state govt and 150 under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme. The first batch of 40 centrally sanctioned buses is expected to arrive starting July. Depots for these buses are being developed at Koradi and Khapri, while infrastructure for the 250 state-allotted buses is under construction at Wathoda.
