In a bid to develop the public transportation network and to reduce pollution, the state of Assam has introduced a fleet of 100 CNG Busses. The chief minister of Assam flagged off the busses from the Inter State Bus Terminus in Betkuchi of Guwahati. He also opened the first CNG station of the state near the same locality on the first day of 2023.
Commenting about the development, the chief minister mentioned this step to be the dawn of a green era of transportation. The introduction of clean fuel for public transportation is a step towards Net Zero Carbon Emission goal by 2070.
Mentioning about the consumption of fossil fuels by the public transportation system, the chief minister called this step a mitigation step towards the new zero emission goals. Purba Bharti aims to open four more CNG stations in the city. The number will gradually be increased in the coming years. As of now, the state does not have the proper infrastructure to produce compresses natural gas. The organization is working by bringing the gas from other states of the country.
The authorities procured these busses under the Guwahati Smart City project . The Assam State Transport Corporation will be in charge for operating these busses. This launch marks the beginning of the phasing out of the existing diesel powered busses. The government will gradually phase out the old busses by more eco-friendly options.
These CNG busses have global positioning system, air conditioning and fire detection system for added comfort and safety of the passengers.
