Srinagar : Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta in presence of Principal Secretary, H&UDD, Dheeraj Gupta today presided over a ceremony to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with TATA Motors Ltd. and Chalo Mobility Pvt. Ltd for the deployment of 200 electric buses in twin capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar here.
Division Commissioner Kashmir, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL); Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL); CEO & MD – TATA Motors Smart City Mobility Solution Limited; COOTATA Motors Smart City Mobility Solution Limited; and Sr. Vice President, CHALO Mobility Pvt.Ltd besides other concerned officers were present on the occasion.
The collaboration is part of Jammu and Kashmir’s government initiative to establish an environmentally, socially, and financially sustainable network of public transport for Jammu and Srinagar.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Secretary remarked that induction of electric buses will transform the transport system in both cities of Jammu and Srinagar. He asked both firms to ensure the best travelling experience to people in twin cities.
He made out that besides being environment friendly the buses will also give a unique experience to commuters. He maintained that the government is committed to provide every modern facility in the cities of the UT. He reiterated that the government would continue its efforts to provide world class comforts to people in both these smart cities.
Principal Secretary, HU&DD, said that the electric vehicles are the future of transport as they are eco-friendly, ideal for the urban environment, and contribute to reducing pollution levels.
He further added that this collaboration will facilitate effortless and convenient travel in electric buses in both the capitals of Jammu and Srinagar.
It was revealed that passengers can also get details like real-time tracking of buses, how congested it is, along with expected time of arrival.It was also informed that the partnership between both firms will also eliminate the need for paper tickets and make contactless ticketing a greener option.
Further it was said that the initiative will play a significant role in savings on ticketing costs. Apart from reducing pollution levels, the electric buses are also equipped with state-of-the-art facilities like panic button, location system, CCTV, stop request system, and other security related features, as was given out on this occasion.
Under this project, Tata Motors and Chalo Mobility will work in collaboration with each other for functioning of electric buses in both cities in coordination with Jammu Smart City and Srinagar Smart City Limited. Tata Motors will be responsible for supply, operation & maintenance of electric buses, 100 each in Jammu & Srinagar.
Chalo Mobility will deploy its consumer technology solutions to offer convenience like Electronic Ticket Issuing Machines (‘ETIMs’), Automated Fare Collection System (‘AFCS’), Mobile App with Mobile Tickets and Mobile Passes Platform, Smart Cards Platform and Cloud Based Hosting to the commuters.
Pertinently, the Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL) has executed the tendering process for supply & operations of electric buses and to establish National Common Mobility Card compliant Digital Ticketing Solution in both the Smart Cities. (GNS)
