500 Electric Buses to be Introduced in Seven Rajasthan Cities | 07 Mar 2024

Why in News?

According to the sources, 500 electric buses will be introduced shortly for public transport in seven cities of Rajasthan, with an emphasis on reducing air pollution, creating convenience for commuters, and reducing fuel consumption.

Key Points

  • The buses will be operated and maintained by the Local Self Government Department through Convergence Energy Services Limited.
  • The buses would ply in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Ajmer, Bikaner, Bharatpur, and Udaipur.
    • The maximum number of 300 buses will be operated in Jaipur, followed by 70 in Jodhpur.
  • The promotion of public transport through electric buses would strengthen the network in the cities and improve the standard of urban life.
  • The budgetary announcement would be implemented through the initiative for the benefit of the public at large.

Convergence Energy Services Limited

  • Convergence is a green energy focused venture of the Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) Group owned by central public sector undertakings under the Ministry of Power, New and Renewable Energy.
  • It offers interventions that solve multiple gap areas in the energy ecosystem by amalgamating seemingly independent sectors such as electricity, transport, home appliances and introducing models for adaptation at scale through government partnerships and innovative financing such as carbon markets.

Energy Efficiency Services Ltd

  • It is a joint venture of National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) Limited, Power Finance Corporation, Rural Electrification Corporation and POWERGRID, It was set up under the Ministry of Power to facilitate implementation of energy efficiency projects.
  • EESL is a Super Energy Service Company (ESCO) that seeks to unlock the energy efficiency market in India, estimated at Rs. 74,000 crore that can potentially result in energy savings of up to 20% of current consumption, by way of innovative business and implementation models.
  • It also acts as the resource centre for capacity building of State DISCOMs, financial institutions, etc.