Electric plunge: Taking cue from J&K, Ladakh witnessing faster adoption of e-buses
Srinagar, Feb 16: At a time when Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a sharp increase in electric buses being made operational, Ladakh too has of late, witnessed a paradigm shift in adoption of clean fuel buses.
As many as 19 electric-buses are presently operational on Ladakh roads. Speaking with Greater Kashmir, Muhammad Hussain, Traffic Manager, Sindhu Infrastructure Development Corporation (SIDCO) Limited said commuting during winter months witnesses a decline, owing to a large chunk of population migrating to warmer places.
However, the fleet of 19 buses which are operational, has 8 buses plying in Kargil while 11 buses are functional in Leh district under the aegis of the executing agency SIDCO.
“Ever since SIDCO adopted the e-bus initiative in Ladakh in April, 2023, the fleet of buses has offered a whole lot of convenience to commuters,” said Muhammad Hussain, adding that the environmental aspect of operating e-buses has been widely acknowledged by the local population in Ladakh.
As per the traffic manager, the buses are successfully operating in sub-zero temperatures as low as minus 25 to minus 35 degrees Celsius in the Dras region. He said as of now, there are three charging points for the e-buses, located at Leh, Khaltsi and Kargil. Charging stations are being set up at two more locations, he further added.
“The process to set up charging points in Zanskar and Nubra is also underway and as soon as it gets completed, we will have e-buses functional on these routes as well,” the official said.
In what comes as a good news for long distance commuters in Ladakh, SIDCO is set to start a direct e-bus service between Leh and Kargil from March 1. “The fare on this e-bus service would be Rs 1.03 per kilometer per person as compared to other public transport service which charges Rs 1.68 per passenger for the same distance,” Muhammad Hussain.
Speaking with Greater Kashmir, a senior official of the Finance Department in Ladakh, who was earlier posted in District Motor Garages, District Leh said the e-bus service in Ladakh is helping to generate an annual revenue of Rs 7 crore to Rs 8 crore.
Notably, electric buses in Ladakh are setting a compelling example in the fight against climate change. The 19 electric buses from PMI Electro Mobility Solutions for over two years now are operating on various local routes. Serving an average of more than 2,000 passengers daily, these e-buses contribute positively to Ladakh's delicate ecosystem with zero tailpipe emissions, no engine noise, and no vibrations, significantly reducing carbon footprint and noise levels while bearing region’s inclement weather conditions
Notably, regenerative braking solutions integrated in these e-buses during downhill movement enhances the efficiency by recovering and recharging onboard batteries.
The e-buses are designed to prioritise passenger comfort, incorporating features such as cantilever mounting and plastic-moulded seats. This thoughtful design not only enhances overall comfort but also ensures easy access for young and elderly passengers alike. Equipped with factory-fitted cameras, these buses enhance security by continuously monitoring all travellers. The Intelligent Transportation Management System (ITMS) software seamlessly integrates to enable intelligent and optimal management of electric buses. It automatically tracks schedules, monitors the state of charge (eliminating range anxiety), assesses vehicle range, and manages allocated routes.
