"EV Charger Installation Delay Hinders Launch of Electric Buses in Jammu"

Official sources have reported that the slow development of necessary infrastructure, including charging stations by Tata Motors, has resulted in the delay of launching 100 electric buses in Jammu. Tata Motors, however, states that the charging infrastructure in both Srinagar and Jammu is now ready to operate.

As part of the Smart City Project, the Jammu and Kashmir administration had placed an order with Tata Motors for the procurement of 200 electric buses. These buses are equipped with state-of-the-art features, including a real-time tracking system, and were intended for the twin capital cities of the Union Territory.

The deployment of 100 eco-friendly buses in each of the cities, Jammu and Srinagar, aims to combat air and noise pollution, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and enhance transportation facilities for residents. The electric buses are also equipped with various features such as real-time passenger information systems, panic buttons, location systems, CCTV cameras, stop request systems, online ticket booking, payments via QR codes, and numerous security-related functions.

According to the contract signed between Tata Motors and Jammu Smart City Limited, the automaker was responsible for establishing charging stations, bus depots, and delivering 100 electric buses to both Jammu and Srinagar by the end of October.

While a fleet of 75 electric buses commenced operations in Srinagar on November 1, there were only seven charging stations available out of the planned 20. Tata Motors also failed to establish a bus depot in Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu, within the specified timeframe, along with the charging stations, leading to a delay in the launch of electric buses in the city.

The shortage of charging stations is also expected to hinder the smooth operation of the newly launched electric buses in Srinagar, according to the sources.

In response, a Tata Motors spokesperson stated, "Charging infrastructure in both Srinagar and Jammu is being consistently developed and is now in ready-to-operate mode. Accordingly, e-bus operations formally commenced in Srinagar from November 1, and they will commence in Jammu within the next few days."

ET