Nagpur: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recently announced that tram-like electric buses with three interconnected units and a seating capacity of 132 are being tested on Nagpur’s Ring Road and will soon be introduced on a larger scale.
Speaking at a program in Nagpur, Gadkari revealed that these innovative buses are a result of collaboration between Skoda and Tata. The buses promise to be cost-effective, with ticket prices less than 30% of those for diesel buses. They feature a system that combines three buses and charges wirelessly within a minute.
Gold Rate
07 May 2025
Gadkari said he visited the Skoda manufacturing unit in Czechoslovakia. Being a Minister connected with the field, he asked the company to work with the Tatas to make these buses, which have a wireless charging facility.
The fully air-conditioned buses will come equipped with amenities such as packaged food, CCTV surveillance, and laptop holders at each seat, ensuring a comfortable and secure journey for passengers.
Gadkari also mentioned that an agreement with the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) will be finalized soon. He expressed confidence that the investment in this project will be recouped within three years of its launch.
The three-time Nagpur MP highlighted that Vidarbha farmers will produce the most affordable aviation fuel, which will be used to refuel aircraft at Nagpur Airport. He emphasized the city’s Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, envisioning Nagpur as an international airport hub. Gadkari projected that the region will be able to produce 76,000 tonnes of bio-aviation fuel annually.
