Old Diesel Buses Get a New Lease with Electric Conversion Plan

The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has initiated a project to retrofit old diesel buses into electric vehicles, greening public transport. This method extends the working life of the current buses while minimizing emissions, providing a more affordable option than buying new electric buses.

How the Conversion Works

Rather than junking diesel buses after 10 years or 1.1 million kilometers, UPSRTC converts them to electric powertrains. The retrofitting entails removing the diesel engine and adding an electric motor and battery system. Private firms, like Kalyani Powertrain and Zero21, fund the fitment of electric parts, while UPSRTC undertakes body modifications, including interior changes to fit the new systems. This tie-up is helping in reducing the initial cost, making the program economically viable.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

• Decreased Emissions: Electric buses have zero tailpipe emissions, enhancing air quality within cities.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Retrofitting old buses is cheaper compared to procuring new electric vehicles, improving budget allocation.

• Increased Bus Lifespan: Upgrading the existing buses increases their lifespan, maximizing resource utilization.

Future Expansion Plans

UPSRTC intends to double the size of its electric vehicle fleet by converting 5,000 buses. Recently, 220 electric buses, including 20 air-conditioned double-decker buses, were put on the road for the Mahakumbh festival, demonstrating the success of the program.

Retrofitting: A Nationwide Trend

This effort is part of a larger trend in India. For instance, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation too is retrofitting diesel buses into electric ones to promote sustainable public transport.

Addressing Urban Traffic Challenges

In parallel, cities like Delhi are tackling traffic congestion through infrastructure improvements. Authorities have identified bottlenecks on South Delhi’s Ring Road and are implementing solutions, such as widening roads and relocating bus terminals, to improve traffic flow.

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