Mangaluru: A new chapter is set to begin in the public transport system of the coastal city as Mangaluru's private transport sector prepares to introduce its first-ever electric bus. The e-bus is scheduled for an official inauguration on February 26 and is expected to commence operations within a few days of the launch.

Ganesh Prasad Travels has taken this green initiative, with the bus slated to operate on the prominent 'Route Number 27,' connecting Mangaladevi and State Bank.

Dilraj Alva, the proprietor of Ganesh Prasad Travels, known for introducing innovative changes to the city's transport landscape, is spearheading this technological shift. The 9-meter long, 32-seater electric bus has been procured from the Pune-based Newton Auto firm. Notably, this is the first e-bus manufactured by Newton Auto to begin its journey on the roads of Mangaluru. Alva stated that the bus will be available for public service as soon as the registration process is finalized.

Regarding its technical capabilities, the e-bus can travel approximately 200 kilometers on a single full charge. It supports fast charging, which powers the battery in just two hours, while slow charging takes about five hours. For the time being, the owner does not plan to build a dedicated charging station. Instead, the bus will utilize public charging points available at select petrol bunks across the city.

This transition is viewed as a significant step toward environmental conservation. Currently, Ganesh Prasad Travels operates five buses, each completing 19 trips per day. This new electric bus will replace one of the older fuel-powered vehicles in the fleet. Dilraj Alva emphasized that his primary goal is to contribute to the environment by reducing carbon emissions rather than focusing solely on profit and loss.

Looking ahead, Alva aims to phase out all his fuel-run buses in favor of electric versions. To support this vision, he has co-founded 'Charge Mobility Private Limited' with like-minded partners, harboring the ambition to make the city's transport system entirely green in the future.