Hyderabad
State-owned Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) has announced a huge tender worth Rs 5,500 crore for the purchase of 5,580 electric buses. This includes 130 double-decker buses. CESL is a subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL). Proposals are invited from interested parties.
According to CESL, e-buses will be available in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Surat, and Kolkata by July this year in the first phase under the 'Grand Challenge'. CESL MD, CEO Mahua Acharya said that this is the largest project in the world. Being an Asset Lite model, this will enable State transport companies to operate these buses at affordable prices and in large numbers. He said CESL will do its part to help State Governments to achieve the goals of e-buses. CESL has stated that it will contribute to the goal of bringing India to a neutral zero level in carbon emissions.
A few months ago, a netizen asked Minister KTR to run double-decker buses in Hyderabad city. KTR immediately brought the matter to the notice of Transport Minister Puvvada Ajay Kumar. To this end, the RTC has also invited tenders for the purchase of double-decker buses. The proposal did not materialize due to various reasons. With CESL going to purchase 130 double-decker buses, hopes are high once again.