In a major step towards launching environment-friendly public transport in the State, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday gave nod for launching a pilot project for e-Vehicle from Ludhiana and Jalandhar along with that of e-autos from Amritsar.

Mann, chairing a meeting to review various development projects in 47 cities of the state, said that apart from providing best facilities of public transport to the people, these facilities will also play a pivotal role in the protection of the environment. “The e-Vehicle service will be launched in the cities of Ludhiana and Jalandhar as pilot projects…e-autos will be introduced as pilot projects in Amritsar,” said Mann envisioning that these modes of public transport will also go a long way in solving the problem of traffic congestion in these cities.

The Chief Minister said that in a step aimed at solving the problem of stray cattle, the State Government will soon launch a pilot project in Bathinda and Patiala districts which will be a great reprieve to the people as it will help in saving their previous lives.

“To ascertain the need of carrying on any development work for the first time, the State Government has implemented a project to assess the need for work through ‘Artificial Intelligence’.  As a pilot project, this has been introduced in Amritsar for development works,” he said, adding that this model will be replicated in other districts too for ensuring need-based development works in the State.

Also reviewing the proposed projects worth more than Rs 1000 crore to be implemented in various cities, he said that it will give a major facelift to these cities. “100 percent water supply through canals will be ensured in these 47 cities through a project of Rs 762.45 crore. The work on this ambitious project is likely to commence by August this year,” he added.