North Karnataka’s burgeoning urban centres are intensifying their demand for a more equitable allocation of electric buses under the Union government’s PM e-Drive initiative. With cities like Hubballi-Dharwad and Belagavi experiencing significant population growth, a pressing need has emerged for enhanced public transportation systems that are both sustainable and inclusive. This concerted push, led by local political representation, highlights a crucial aspect of India’s green mobility transition: ensuring that the benefits of clean transport extend beyond metropolitan hubs to foster zero net carbon, eco-friendly, and equitable development across all regions.
Arvind Bellad, Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Assembly and Hubballi-Dharwad West MLA, has formally urged Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to address this regional imbalance. While commending the allocation of 4,500 e-buses to Bengaluru under the scheme as a commendable stride towards reducing urban pollution and enhancing green mobility, Bellad emphasised that similar impetus is critically required for North Karnataka. The argument centres on the principle of balanced infrastructural growth, ensuring that rapidly expanding cities like Kalaburagi, Ballari, and Vijayapura also receive proportionate allocations to meet their burgeoning demand for sustainable public transport.
The strategic importance of deploying electric buses in these North Karnataka cities extends beyond mere environmental benefits. From a socio-economic standpoint, improved green mobility infrastructure promises to stimulate local economies by generating employment within the burgeoning Electric Vehicle (EV) ecosystem. This expansion is vital for strengthening the EV support network in historically underserved areas, aligning directly with the broader objectives of the PM e-Drive initiative and the National Clean Air Programme. Such investments not only reduce vehicular emissions but also contribute to a more equitable distribution of advanced public utilities and economic opportunities across the state.
Crucially, many of these North Karnataka cities already possess foundational transport infrastructure, including established Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) depots and even existing Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) corridors. This pre-existing framework positions them ideally for a swift and efficient e-bus rollout, minimising implementation hurdles. Leveraging these existing assets for electric fleet integration would be a cost-effective approach to accelerate decarbonisation efforts. This strategic readiness further strengthens the case for prioritising these regions in future allocations, demonstrating a practical pathway towards building smarter, more sustainable urban centres without necessitating entirely new infrastructure.
The demand from North Karnataka underscores a broader national dialogue on equitable urbanisation. As India strives to build cities that are not just smart and sustainable, but also inclusive and gender-neutral, the availability of modern, clean public transport becomes paramount. Accessible electric bus services can bridge mobility gaps, enhance safety, and provide cleaner air for all residents, particularly those who rely on public transport for daily commutes. Therefore, ensuring a balanced distribution of such transformative green initiatives is essential not only for environmental well-being but also for fostering truly equitable growth and improving the quality of life across the diverse urban landscapes of India.
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