J&K govt inks pact with TATA motors and Chalo Mobility to launch 200 E-buses in capital cities

Srinagar, Oct 18 (KNN) The Jammu and Kashmir government has signed an agreement with TATA Motors ltd and Chalo Mobility Pvt. Ltd for the deployment of 200 electric buses in the cities of Jammu and Srinagar.

The Jammu and Kashmir government through this initiative aims to establish an environmentally, socially, and financially sustainable network of public transport for the capital cities.

The officials of the union territory informed that the agreement was signed between the firms in the presence of Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta and Principal Secretary of Housing Urban and Development Department (HU&DD) Dheeraj Gupta.

Key persons present at the ceremony included Division Commissioner Kashmir, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL); Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL); CEO & MD – TATA Motors Smart City Mobility Solution Limited; COOTATA Motors Smart City Mobility Solution Limited; and Sr. Vice President, CHALO Mobility Pvt.Ltd .

Speaking on the occasion, Mehta said “the induction of electric buses will transform the transport system in both cities of Jammu and Srinagar. He asked both firms to ensure the best travelling experience to people in twin cities.”

Mehta lay stress on the commitment of the government to provide every modern facility in the cities of the UT. He reiterated that the government would continue its efforts to provide world class comforts to people in both these smart cities.

Principal Secretary, HU&DD, said that the electric vehicles are the future of transport as they are eco-friendly, ideal for the urban environment, and contribute to reducing pollution levels.

Under this project, Tata Motors and Chalo Mobility will work in collaboration with each other for functioning of electric buses in these two cities in coordination with Jammu Smart City and Srinagar Smart City Limited. Tata Motors will be responsible for supply, operation & maintenance of electric buses, 100 each in Jammu & Srinagar.

Chalo Mobility will deploy its consumer technology solutions to offer convenience like Electronic Ticket Issuing Machines (‘ETIMs’), Automated Fare Collection System (‘AFCS’), Mobile App with Mobile Tickets and Mobile Passes Platform, Smart Cards Platform and Cloud Based Hosting to the commuters.

Pertinently, the Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL) has executed the tendering process for supply & operations of electric buses and to establish National Common Mobility Card compliant Digital Ticketing Solution in both the Smart Cities.  (KNN Bureau)