Jeypore, June 2: The government has taken special initiatives to make Koraput pollution-free and reduce dependence on petrol and diesel. Very soon, 50 electric (EV) buses will operate from Jeypore to various parts of Koraput district.
Under the Prime Minister’s e-drive scheme, these buses will run on routes within a distance of 200 km. At present, OSRTC bus services remain suspended on seven routes in Koraput district. Additionally, six panchayats still do not have any bus connectivity. These panchayats will be included under the Chief Minister Bus Service Scheme, and EV buses will begin operating on those routes.
Measures to Reduce Pollution
The transport department has also taken steps to prevent pollution and conserve water. Wastewater used for washing buses will be recycled and reused.
Old buses currently operating on outdated routes will be scrapped and sold, and priority will be given to introducing EV buses within the next six months, said Transport Department Additional Secretary Sanjeeb Biswal.
Charging stations will be set up along EV bus routes. Plans are also underway to install dedicated transformers along with electricity substations.
Automatic Washing and Water Recycling Plant
Within two months, an automatic bus washing plant will be established in Jeypore. The wastewater from bus washing will be sent to a sewage treatment plant and then reused for washing other buses, helping reduce water scarcity.
Old buses lying unused in the bus stand premises for a long time are being auctioned through a tender process, which is expected to be completed within a month.
Volvo Bus Services Planned
There are also plans to introduce Volvo bus services from Jeypore to destinations within and outside the state. A Volvo service from Sabara Srikhetra to Kamakhya Peeth is expected to start soon. Proposals have been sent to the government for new Volvo buses.
Once the buses arrive, services to major destinations in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana will resume. Steps are also being taken to start a Jeypore–Tirupati bus service.
During his visit, Additional Secretary Sanjeeb Biswal reviewed the progress of under-construction Atal Bus Stands in the district and discussed measures to improve bus operations with Koraput District Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan.
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