Electric rapid transit on the cards for Hubballi-Dharwad
The fully electric system will run on elevated roads and at ground level in some areas with a capacity of 250 passengers per trip
Bengaluru: A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by State Government with HESS AG, HESS India and SSB AG to launch a pilot project Electric Rapid Transit (e-RT) between Hubballi and Dharwad in Dharwad district covering a distance of about 20-km. e-RT is a metro-style transit system which has been successfully implemented in several European countries.
Minister of Labour Santosh Lad visited Switzerland to study the project and emulate the e-RT model of Switzerland in Hubballi-Dharwad on a pilot project basis and the e-RT pilot project aims to provide eco-friendly, efficient urban transport for Hubballi-Dharwad.
Feasibility studies for the e-RT have been studied over a year’s period. The fully electric system will run on elevated roads and at ground level in some areas with a capacity of 250 passengers per trip.
At the MoU signing ceremony at ‘Kaveri’ Chief Minister’s official residence in Bengaluru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah instructed the officials concerned to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) within 3 months for the implementation of the pilot project in Hubballi-Dharwad.
Buoyed by the success of the pilot project in Hubballi-Dharwad, Chief Minister stated the e-RT project could be extended to other 2-tier cities of the State. Minister Santosh Lad explained to the Chief Minister the feasibility and opportunities of the proposed project. Minister of Transport Ramalinga Reddy was present.