TIRUPATI: Electric buses are likely to hit Tirumala soon, after the completion of a week-long trial run that commenced on Tuesday. Tirumala is the only place which produces heavy vehicular pollution at 1750-AMSL, though there are several hills, but not with this much crowd. Even more than a State capital of a hilly Northeastern State of the country, Tirumala produces more carbon emissions in the air, according to a study.
The regular VIP traffic, VVIPs not only from the country, but also from abroad, along with daily flow of 89,000 pilgrims on an average, and 10,000 vehicles cross the ghat section toll gate every 24 hours. The Union government instructed IOL and Coal India companies to opt Tirumala to extend the scheme of Industrial Social Response and allocated Rs 25 crore for eco-friendly projects in Tirumala, including pure water, green lighting, hygiene and housekeeping initiatives.
There have been reports in the media stating that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams was launching several Go Green initiatives, but nothing substantial has been taken up till date. But, for the first time, the TTD transport wing has taken up week-long trial run of electric buses at Tirumala.
Bus features
The electric bus featured as ecofriendly and zero harmful emissions runs with electricity provided by the batteries and they are reliable with longer life. The functioning and system maintenance of the engine can be monitored in the driver’s cabin by the human touch integrated dashboard. The bus is equipped with most advanced disc braking system which is powered by ABS and power assisted steering system. The bus also consists of short circuit and lightning protection too. It can accommodate 32 to 36 people depending on the model. It has LED lighting and LED displays.
‘Will seek pilgrim views’
Speaking to Express, PV Sesha Reddy, General Manager, said that they were taking the help of Goldstone Company in evaluating the needs at Tirumala and how the bus works in the hard terrain of ghat section.