Electric and CNG buses will soon be running on the roads of Haldwani; ADB to provide budget
After the widening of Nainital Road and Kaladhungi Road, electric and CNG buses may be seen on the streets of Haldwani. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide the budget for these vehicles. However, the big question is who will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of these buses? Will the responsibility fall to the Transport Department, the Transport Corporation, the district administration, or some other competent institution? Discussions are currently underway on this matter. Only after these discussions will the proposal move forward. The ADB has agreed to provide the funding.
In December 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a package of two thousand crore rupees for the development of Haldwani at a rally held in the city. This money was to be provided through the ADB for various projects. A network of sewer and water lines is being laid in a large part of the city using this budget. The demolition of the old Tehsil building and the construction of ‘Namo Bhavan’ has also moved towards the tendering process. This multi-purpose building will house the Tehsil office, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s office, the registry office, a large auditorium, a library, parking facilities, a city bus stand, and more.
In addition, the widening and beautification of Nainital Road and Kaladhungi Road will include the construction of utility ducts. With the utility ducts in place, there will be no need to repeatedly dig up the roads for laying and repairing lines in the future. Furthermore, to improve the city’s public transport system, the ADB is ready to provide 40 new electric and CNG buses.
