Lucknow Kanpur Launch 200 Electric Buses Covering Satellite Towns
Lucknow and Kanpur are set to see a transformative shift in urban mobility with the introduction of electric city buses across their satellite towns and peripheral localities. Officials from the Directorate of Urban Transport have finalised 20 routes 10 in each city spanning 756 kilometres in total, to be served by a fleet of 200 electric buses.
The new service aims to improve connectivity for residents in outlying areas such as Sandila in Hardoi, Dewa and Safedabad in Barabanki, Akbarpur, Musanagar and Rura in Kanpur Dehat, and Shuklaganj in Unnao. The longest route will stretch from Ghantaghar to Musanagar in Kanpur, covering 60 kilometres. The Uttar Pradesh government has approved the involvement of private operators to procure, maintain, and run the fleet, with ten air-conditioned buses scheduled to operate on each route at regular intervals for the next 12 years.City transport officials have emphasised that peak-hour services will be optimised with 15-minute intervals during mornings and evenings. To support the electric fleet, two additional quick-charging stations will be set up, complementing existing infrastructure. Municipal corporations have also been instructed to identify land for these stations to ensure smooth operations.
Currently, city bus services operate in 15 municipal corporation cities across the state, including Lucknow, Kanpur, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Meerut, Agra, Mathura-Vrindavan, Prayagraj, Moradabad, Aligarh, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Ghaziabad, Ayodhya, and Jhansi. The introduction of electric buses aligns with Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to sustainable, low-emission urban transport solutions, contributing to zero-net carbon city initiatives.Experts highlight that expanding electric bus connectivity to peripheral towns not only eases traffic congestion but also enhances access to employment, healthcare, and educational opportunities for residents in satellite regions. “Integrating electric buses in these routes sets a precedent for eco-friendly urban transport that is both inclusive and scalable,” said a senior urban transport official.
The project also signals the government’s broader commitment to green mobility and sustainable urban planning. With robust planning, private sector participation, and technological upgrades such as AC buses and rapid charging, the new fleet promises to set benchmarks for electric mobility across Indian cities.The rollout of these electric buses is expected to improve operational efficiency, reduce vehicular emissions, and provide residents with a reliable, modern, and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional public transport.
