UP to roll out electric bus services from Gorakhpur to Ayodhya and Varanasi

Gorakhpur: In a move to promote eco-friendly transport while improving passenger convenience, the UP govt is set to launch long-distance electric bus services from Gorakhpur to several major destinations, including Ayodhya and Varanasi.Under the initiative, the state-run roadways will deploy 20 new electric buses connecting Gorakhpur with key routes such as Sonouli on Nepal border, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Ballia, Tamkuhiraj and Lar Road. Officials said the move is part of the govt's broader plan to gradually replace diesel-operated buses with electric ones to reduce pollution and fuel costs.According to officials of the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC), six electric buses will operate on Gorakhpur–Varanasi route. Of these, three each will run via Ghazipur and Azamgarh route and three buses each will ply to Ayodhya, Ballia, Sonouli and Tamkuhiraj and two to Lar Road.To facilitate operations, a modern electric bus charging station is being set up in Rapti Nagar and is nearing completion. The remaining work is expected to be finished by the end of the month, after which the buses will begin regular operations.Besides, nine buses will operate from Kachahari bus station while 11 will run from Gorakhpur railway bus station.UPSRTC regional manager Lov Kumar Singh said that the new services will make travel more comfortable and environmentally sustainable while also helping the corporation save fuel costs.