Rapid increase in number of vehicles in the city, since it became the State capital, has certainly clogged the arteries of Ranchi. And with this amount increase, came the rise in pollution levels associated with vehicle exhaust.
The numbers of vehicles might not decrease in the city but there is a chance with pollution levels. Suggestions to this end were made by State Transport Minister CP Singh at the meeting with other Transport Ministers of the nation convened by Department of Heavy Industry in New Delhi.
In the meeting to discuss how electric vehicles can be popularised for a better environment, Singh suggested that efforts should be made to bring down the costs of electric vehicles, starting with the battery-used to power them.
Singh suggested that industries manufacturing electric vehicles and their parts should be promoted in the country to bring down costs. “Since the technology is not in popular practise yet the prices involved are high. We came cross auto-rickshaws worth `6 lakh, which will not work for auto-rickshaw drivers of Ranchi. Even if we provide subsidies for the vehicles, there is a limit to our assistance, and the prices are still high,” he said
“The battery used in e-rickshaws today is mostly imported from China and Vietnam which adds up to the cost of the vehicle. By manufacturing it here, we can lower the prices in the long run and popularise electric vehicles among public transport drivers,” Singh further added.
Singh also called for more subsidies to the states from Union for promoting environment-friendly practises. “This is a long-term process and will need monetary resources accordingly. Funds to the tune of `14 thousand crores have been set aside for promoting electric vehicles across the nation, which is a trivial amount considering the scope of the initiative,” he said.
Just so that people get to know the benefits of the electric vehicles, Singh also suggested that electric buses are provided to states on trial-basis. But this sounds a far-fetched dream considering the rundown condition of ongoing city bus service.
“We intend to provide top class services to the people of Jharkhand. There are plans to revive city bus services in other districts of the State. With e-buses, we will be able to protect the environment in the process,” Singh said.
He further said, “Those using electric vehicles now charge them at their homes. We will set up public charging points once this practice catches up in the State, focusing on public transportation the drivers using electric vehicles.”