Karnataka Govt Signs MoU with European Firms to Launch E-RT Services in Hubballi-Dharwad.

The Karnataka government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with European companies to launch a pilot electric rapid transit (e-RT) system between Hubballi and Dharwad. The agreement was signed with Hess AG, Hess India, and SSB AG, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) announced on Saturday.

The move follows a visit by Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad to Switzerland, where he studied the successful implementation of similar electric transit systems. Upon his return, Lad briefed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on the feasibility and potential of introducing the project in the twin cities.

Chairing a review meeting at his residence, the Chief Minister directed officials to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) within the next three months. “This is a fully electric system that will operate on elevated roads within city limits and at-grade in other areas. Each vehicle will have the capacity to carry up to 250 passengers,” the CMO stated, adding that a feasibility study has been underway for the past year.

Representatives from the partnering European companies informed the Chief Minister that the e-RT system has seen successful rollouts in several European nations, functioning as a sustainable and efficient alternative to metro systems.

“If this project proves successful in Hubballi and Dharwad, it can be expanded to other second-tier cities across Karnataka,” the CMO added.

ET