Kochi: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation has announced that it will introduce 650 new environment- friendly buses in Kochi which include electric buses operated by batteries and with compressed natural gas (CNG). The KSRTC submitted in the Kerala High Court on Thursday that to ensure less mile connectivity for the Kochi Metro Rail project and also to rejuvenate mass transportation facility in the project area, low carbon city buses would be introduced. The buses include standard type and mini buses having seating capacity of 42 and 27 respectively.
The KSRTC made the submission on an appeal filed by Lawyers Environmental Awareness Forum challenging the order of the Single Judge staying the directive of National Green Tribunal, Kochi Circuit Bench, not to register diesel vehicles of 2000 cc and above in the state.
To meet the Kochi Metro's needs, 43 feeder routes have been identified within 2.5 km buffer on either side of the station. The KSRTC has also initiated discussions with the Indian Oil Corporation for setting up CNG dispensing stations near KSRTC/KURTC depot in the Greater Cochin area within one year.
The KSRTC said that the majority of city services in Kochi are concentrated on the NH 47 stretch between Aluva and Ernakulam and Ernakulam and Tripunithura.
“The mini buses can be operated to every nook and cranny of the city and thus last mile connectivity is ensured. This will discourage the commuters from using personalised modes of transport like cars and two- wheelers and promote public transport system,” said Mr P.V. Sanjeev, Works manager, Ernakulam zonal office.
