Karnataka has proposed an electric bus system for the heritage city of Mysore at an estimated cost of Rs 150 crore.
It will soon appoint consultants to prepare the feasibility report for the project.
Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy had reviewed the project proposal on Monday. He told reporters later that assistance will be sought for the project from the Centre under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.
"We will study the feasibility report and take a decision on implementing the project. But we are committed to provide a mass rapid transport system for Mysore, which is growing rapidly," he added.
Mysore will be the first city in the country to have the electric bus system, which is popular in many parts of Europe. The buses draw power from overhead cables that criss-cross
Transport Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy pointed out that the only disadvantage of the project could be the price of the bus.
"Each bus costs around Rs 1.50 crore. But we are committed to make the investment if the project is found feasible. Since Mysore is a heritage city, we will ensure that the aesthetics are not disturbed by the introduction of the electric buses," he added.
To begin with 100 buses will be deployed. He contended that several European countries were running electric bus system in a profitable manner.
"We will study all these successful models. Consultants with experience in running such electric bus system will be appointed to conduct the feasibility study," he said.
