Kochi: The state government has assured the Kochi-based private bus owners to ‘positively consider’ their demand for government stake in the proposed ‘Kochi E-bus Ltd’, a company being formed for the purpose of rolling out electric buses.
The promise was made in a meet held by the Planning Board officials on June 19 in Thiruvananthapuram which was also attended by Principal Transport Secretary K. R. Jyothilal.
“We plan to raise Rs 10 crore by floating shares under ‘Kochi E-bus Ltd’ and sought government stake for Rs 2.5 crore. We’re assured that the same would be considered in the next budget,” said Navas K. M., a designated partner of the Kochi Wheels LLP.
The proposed ‘Kochi E-bus Ltd’ will include representatives of seven registered bus societies based in Kochi – Perfect Bus Metro Services, Kochi Metropolitan Transport Co-operative Society Ltd, My Metro Bus Services, Muziris, Prateeksha Transport Operators Organisation Pvt Ltd, Kochi Wheelz United and Greater Cochin Bus Transport.
The main objective of ‘Kochi E-Bus Ltd’ will be introduction of electric buses in Kochi city in accordance with the Centre and state policy. The formation of the new company will be done in CIAL model and the shares will be issued to the existing bus owners, state government, Kochi Public and the NRIs on a percentage basis.
“We’ve already held discussions with vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland for supply of ‘E-buses’ in the near future. However, the government will have to ready infrastructure facilities like adequate charging stations,” Navas said.
