Modernizing Kerala URTC bus fleet: KfW ready to aid project

Modernizing Kerala URTC bus fleet: KfW ready to aid project

Germany-based development bank KfW has expressed its willingness to provide a loan for procuring new buses and modernizing the fleet of Kerala Urban Road Transport Corporation (KURTC) as part of Kochi Metro Rail Ltd’s (KMRL) plan to integrate public transport system in the city.

KMRL and KURTC have joined hands to put in place a feeder system for Kochi Metro in theGreater Cochin region. KMRL director (systems) Praveen Goyal said the Rs-560 crore project was proposed to improve road connectivity. Of the total cost, Rs 486 crore would be utilized for procuring new buses and the remaining fund would be used for providing additional infrastructure.

“It is possible to get 80% of the project cost as loan from KfW,” said KURTC special officer N Bhadhranandhan.

 They plan to procure 783 new buses, of which 150 will be AC buses. There will be standard 40-seater buses, mid-buses with 20 seats and 16-seater minibuses.

Nearly 300 routes have been identified for operating feeder services as part of the plan to provide last mile connectivity. There will be battery operated feeder services as well as those using CNG. A decision was taken to introduce battery-operated vehicles on 44 routes. “CNG is available at Vallarpadam. The Indian Oil-Adani Gas Pvt Ltd will distribute CNG in Ernakulam. They have already brought the pipeline to Kalamassery.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Modernizing-bus-fleet-KfW-ready-to-aid-project/articleshow/54455648.cms