The approval of Rs 130.5 milllion by the Centre for the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) to establish infrastructure for the city's e-bus project has been confirmed. It was mentioned that Rs 600 million has been allocated for the construction of an e-bus depot, while Rs 700.5 million has been earmarked for power supply and a power sub-station for the depot. This allocation of funds took place in March, prior to the enforcement of the model code of conduct.
A senior official from the NMC stated that the Centre has sanctioned 50 e-buses for the NMC as part of the "PM e-bus Seva" scheme. Additionally, Rs 130.5 million has been approved by the Centre for infrastructure development related to the e-bus project. These approvals were granted by the Centre before the enforcement of the code of conduct for the Lok Sabha polls.
The government has informed the NMC officials to expedite the completion of the electric bus depot along with the power supply. It is anticipated that the NMC will receive the 50 e-buses from the Centre by April 2025. Under the PM e-bus Seva scheme, the procurement of buses will be facilitated through private companies, which will also be responsible for their operation, maintenance, and management for a duration of 12 years. Payment to these agencies will be based on a per km basis.
For a period of 12 years, the Centre will offer a grant of Rs 24 per km to the civic body, with the remaining amount to be covered by the local civic body. NMC officials informed that a firm from Haryana has been selected by the Centre for Nashik through a tender process. This private company will procure, operate, and maintain the electric buses for the municipal corporation. Presently, NMC operates a city bus service through its transport wing ? Nashik Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (NMPML).
