Noida's electric buses roll out ahead of Jewar airport's opening next week

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath virtually flagged off 45 new electric buses for Noida and Greater Noida on Friday. The service marks the city's first intercity electric bus rollout, improving access to Jewar Airport and Greater Noida West.

In Short

• Greater Noida West gets long-awaited public transport connectivity boost
• Electric buses feature CCTV cameras, charging ports and emergency exits
• Affordable fares expected to benefit students, workers and commuters

Electric buses have officially hit the roads in Noida, Greater Noida and the Yamuna Expressway region of Uttar Pradesh, marking a major upgrade to public transport in the western part of the state. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath virtually flagged off the new fleet on Friday, ahead of the commencement of commercial operations at Noida International Airport in Jewar.

The launch is expected to significantly improve connectivity across Gautam Budh Nagar, particularly for residents of Greater Noida West, who have long struggled with the absence of a reliable public transport network. The new service will also provide a direct and affordable link to the upcoming airport.

A fleet of electric buses has been deployed under a joint initiative of the Noida Authority, Greater Noida Authority, Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) and the Uttar Pradesh Transport Corporation.

The buses will operate on key routes connecting Noida, Greater Noida and the YEIDA region with Jewar Airport.

Officials say all operational preparations have been completed at the Sector-90 bus depot, where fast-charging infrastructure has also been installed. The charging stations can fully recharge a bus in around two hours, ensuring uninterrupted service throughout the day.

BUSES EQUIPPED WITH MODERN FEATURES

The buses are equipped with a range of passenger-friendly and safety-focused features.

Each vehicle has CCTV cameras for surveillance, allowing authorities to monitor onboard activity and enhance passenger security.

Dedicated screens have been installed for drivers, while emergency exits have been provided on both sides of the buses.

For emergencies, glass-breaking hammers and fire safety equipment have been installed inside the vehicles.

Fire extinguishing systems are positioned strategically to allow immediate response in case of any incident.

Officials say these measures are aimed at making travel safer, particularly for women and families.

The interiors have been designed to offer a comfortable commuting experience.

The buses feature cushioned seats similar to those found in long-distance coaches and can accommodate around 41 passengers.

Dedicated luggage space has also been provided, making the service convenient for airport-bound travellers carrying baggage.

Another key feature is the availability of mobile charging points, a facility increasingly sought by commuters who rely on their smartphones during travel.

The combination of charging ports, comfortable seating and enhanced safety measures is expected to make the buses a preferred option for daily passengers.

Affordability has been a major focus of the project. Authorities have indicated that fares will remain within reach of ordinary commuters, with ticket prices ranging from roughly Rs 20 to Rs 50 depending on the route.

Earlier reports also suggested fares could begin as low as Rs 10 on some stretches.

Residents of Greater Noida West are likely to be among the biggest beneficiaries.

For years, commuters in the area have depended largely on private vehicles, cabs and auto-rickshaws due to the lack of public transport.

The arrival of electric buses offers them a much-needed alternative while reducing dependence on personal vehicles.

ECO-FRIENDLY URBAN TRANSPORT

Beyond improving mobility, the initiative is also expected to contribute to cleaner urban transport.

With zero tailpipe emissions and lower operating costs compared to conventional buses, the electric fleet aligns with the state government’s push for sustainable and environmentally friendly public transportation.

As preparations intensify for the opening of Jewar Airport, the new electric bus service is being seen as a crucial step towards strengthening regional connectivity and providing residents with a modern, safe and eco-friendly mode of travel.

- Ends