Thane’s TMT to Get 100 New AC E-Buses
In a significant push toward eco-friendly urban mobility, the Thane Municipal Transport (TMT) will welcome 100 new air-conditioned e-buses into its fleet this April under the PM E-Bus Seva scheme. The initiative aims to improve public transport, reduce pollution, and enhance commuter comfort in Thane city.
The announcement was made by Thane Lok Sabha MP Naresh Mhaske, who is advocating for additional buses and increased central government support. Speaking at a Parliamentary Standing Committee meeting on Urban Development and Housing, chaired by Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, MP Mhaske expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the government’s backing of the project. He further urged the central government to provide more e-buses to accommodate Thane’s growing population. The addition of 100 AC e-buses is expected to alleviate congestion, reduce dependence on private vehicles, and curb pollution. The PM E-Bus Seva scheme, launched to boost sustainable public transport across urban centres, aims to modernise city bus fleets with eco-friendly electric vehicles.
However, MP Mhaske emphasised the need for further financial relief for TMT, which has been struggling post-COVID-19. He suggested raising the central subsidy from INR 24 per km to INR 29 per km to help ease the financial burden on the corporation. Additionally, he proposed lowering the minimum operational distance requirement from 200 km to 160 km, making the scheme more accessible and beneficial for local transport bodies. Beyond Thane, MP Mhaske urged the central government to extend similar cooperation to transport services across other Indian cities. His proposal received a positive response from fellow MPs, signalling broader support for enhanced public transport funding nationwide. With the 100 new e-buses set to roll out in April, Thanekars can expect a greener, more efficient, and more comfortable public transport system. The initiative marks a significant step toward sustainable urban mobility, setting a precedent for similar developments across the country.
