Electric buses reach Rohtang, finally

SHIMLA

: With the successful trial of the electric bus at Rohtang Pass, at around 13,050 feet, the state transport department has crossed the first milestone in introduction of eco-friendly transport. But ground clearance is still a challenge as the hilly road is not suitable for such buses.In this case, ground clearance refers to the distance between the ground and the axle of the vehicle.

With two to three more companies giving trial runs in the days to come, the department wants enhanced ground clearance for smooth run of buses between Manali and Rohtang by next summer.

On Friday ,

Himachal

Pradesh became the first state in the country to run an electric bus at an altitude of 13,050 feet. This was not an easy feat. Earlier, the trial run encountered many problems, including bursting of tyres. According to Himachal transport minister G S Bali, on Friday , technical trial of the electric bus was conducted from Manali to Rohtang Pass with 40 people on board. He said all parameters except ground clearance were successfully achieved. For a distance of 50 kms, the bus consumed only 28% to 30% battery, he said.

The minister said two to three companies which are to give trial run, have been asked to increase ground clearance in view of hilly roads. “There is no doubt that electric buses would run smoothly with no carbon emission,“ he said.

Electric buses are being introduced on the ecologically fragile Manali-Rohtang pass route on the directions of the National Green

Tribunal

as heavy emission of carbon from petrol and diesel vehicles, especially during peak tourist sea son, was not only turning the snow black but was also leading to fast melting of glaciers.

The tribunal had also asked for plying of CNG buses but non-availability of piped CNG supply made success of CNG bus operation to Rohtang pass from Manali questionable. Since setting up of CNG stations would take time, the state decided to run electric buses till then.

At present, there is a proposal to run 25 electric buses but the number will increase to 50 soon. During the hearing of Rohtang Pass pollution case, the National Green Tribunal, in April this year, directed the Union ministry of heavy industries to finalise the design and specifications of the tender for electric buses in consultation with the Himachal Pradesh government.

The principal bench of the Tribunal, headed by chairperson Justice

Swatanter Kumar

said expenditure of buses shall be borne in the ratio of 25% and 75% by the state and Central government.