Varanasi To Get A Transit Upgrade With Plans To Introduce Electric Buses And Water Taxis Between Airport And Kashi Vishwanath Dham

The Varanasi City Transport Services Limited (VCTSL) has decided to strengthen the public transport system through the best utilisation of electric and other non-polluting buses, as well as the development of the water transport system in Varanasi.

Following this, VCTSL has recently planned to introduce an electric bus service that will ferry passengers from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (LBSIA).

Similarly, individuals who wish to visit Kashi Vishwanath Dham (KVD) without having to travel on crowded roads will have the option of water taxi services in the river Ganga from Rajghat and Assi Ghat.

These services will be functional following the finalisation of their timing of operation and tariff, reports Times of India.

The decision came forward in the 26th board meeting of VCTSL, after the details of beginning pick-up and drop service for the passengers from the airport campus were presented.

Additionally, discussions were held on the issue of the operation of electric buses to connect trans-Ganga areas, and plans were discussed to also operate electric buses from platform-9 of Varanasi Junction.

The board further suggested that a committee should be formed to ensure the auction of diesel buses of VCTSL — which are not fit for use now, as per the government order.

The board also asked to seek expressions of interest from private players who are interested in operating electric and other non-polluting buses by affiliating with VCTSL.

These buses would be operated on the route connecting blocks, tehsils, small townships and markets in a radius of 25 km of the main city.

Regarding the water taxis which have been received by the VCTSL through social corporate responsibility funds — the commissioner asked to complete technical studies of the water taxis.

This is required to assess their capacity and to finalise the route-chart, tariff-sheet, and timing for its operations so that pilgrims would be able to reach KV Dham.