In a significant move to enhance commuter convenience, the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) is gearing up to introduce an electric bus service from the Hindon Civil Terminal in Ghaziabad starting January. This initiative is specifically designed to address the critical last-mile connectivity gap for air passengers, who have long been reliant on expensive private taxis.
New Routes and Service Details
The new AC e-bus service will initially operate on two major routes. One route will connect the terminal to Dilshad Garden, while the other will serve the Madhuban Bapudham township via Wave City. An official from UPSRTC confirmed that these air-conditioned buses will have a seating capacity for 50 passengers and will run at a frequency of every 30 minutes, providing a reliable and regular public transport option.
This development comes as a relief, given the terminal's location. Situated 2 kilometers from the main road, passengers currently depend heavily on private cabs, which not only charge high fares but also often involve long waiting times. For context, a taxi service introduced in October charges Rs 800 for distances up to 15 km and Rs 1,200 for up to 25 km. A trip to Meerut can cost around Rs 2,500, making daily or budget travel prohibitive for many.
Boosting Multi-Modal Connectivity
The e-bus service is expected to seamlessly integrate with other transport networks. As per the UPSRTC official, once the service begins, passengers arriving at the airport can take the e-bus to the main road. From there, they can easily switch to the Namo Bharat train services, the Delhi Metro, or other modes of transport. "This inter-modal connectivity is not feasible when passengers opt for a direct taxi from the terminal," the official explained, highlighting the strategic advantage of the new bus service.
Terminal Expansion Amid Growing Demand
The push for better connectivity aligns with the growing importance of the Hindon Civil Terminal. Currently operating 21 flights to 16 cities, it serves as a useful secondary airport for the Delhi-NCR region. However, being located within an Indian Air Force base imposes limitations, including only two parking bays and daytime-only flight operations.
With passenger footfall rising significantly to about 500 per hour, expansion plans are already underway. The Airports Authority of India has initiated work to double the terminal's capacity and is in the process of acquiring 6.8 acres of land in Sikandarpur for this purpose. The new e-bus service is a timely infrastructure addition that will support this growth and improve the overall travel experience for flyers.
