Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday virtually flagged off 45 electric buses and three hydrogen buses for Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna City. This fleet aims to enhance last-mile connectivity as Noida International Airport prepares to commence commercial operations on June 15.
Expansion Plans for Electric Bus Fleet
The Chief Minister announced that 110 electric buses would be rolled out when flight operations begin, with the fleet gradually expanding to 500 buses. Addressing the event from Lucknow, Adityanath highlighted that Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna City have become major hubs for IT, data centers, semiconductors, and allied industries. He emphasized that environment-friendly public transport is essential to sustain regional economic growth.
The new electric bus service, operated jointly by three development authorities and UPSRTC, will provide sustainable last-mile connectivity to airport passengers while advancing the state’s net-zero goals.
Manufacturing Facilities in Uttar Pradesh
The CM noted that Uttar Pradesh now hosts two electric bus manufacturing facilities. Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland-Hinduja Group have established plants in Lucknow, ending the state’s dependence on out-of-state procurement. Currently, around 700 electric buses operate across 17 municipal corporations in the state, and Noida has joined this network.
On Friday, 11 buses each were allotted to Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna City. The remaining 12 buses, stationed in Lucknow for the launch event, will be dispatched to Noida soon, officials said.
Event Attendees and Ceremonies
Finance minister Suresh Khanna, industrial development minister Nand Gopal Gupta, transport minister Dayashankar Singh, and minister of state Jaswant Singh Saini attended the event in Lucknow.
In Noida, the programme was held at Shilp Haat and attended by Noida Authority CEO Krishna Karunesh, Gautam Budh Nagar district magistrate Medha Roopam, and MP Mahesh Sharma. In Greater Noida, Dadri MLA Tejpal Nagar and Greater Noida Authority CEO NG Ravi Kumar flagged off the buses from the authority office. In the Yamuna Authority area, the launch was held at the Medical Device Park in Sector 28. Following the ceremony, officials traveled to Noida International Airport by electric bus.
Initial Routes and Ticketing
The buses will initially operate within the jurisdictions of the three authorities, connecting passengers to the airport and Ghaziabad bus depot. Services will be extended to Delhi as the network expands. Tickets are currently available on board, as online booking is yet to be introduced.
Hydrogen Buses: A Green Initiative
The three hydrogen-powered buses, provided by NTPC, run on hydrogen generated from purified treated sewage water compressed into gas. These 42-seater coaches have a hydrogen storage capacity of 56 kg and a range of up to 750 km on a single refill. "This green hydrogen pilot is a significant step towards energy conservation and sustainable transportation. It will not only help reduce pollution but pave the way for a green transport model for the future," said YEIDA CEO RK Singh.
