Noida: Accelerates Electric Bus Infrastructure Ahead of New Year Rollout
Noida: The Noida Authority has intensified its preparations for electric mobility by rapidly developing charging infrastructure across the district. This initiative is being taken ahead of the planned launch of electric buses, marking a significant shift toward cleaner and more sustainable public transport. With growing pressure to reduce emissions and modernize transit systems, Noida is positioning itself as an important hub for electric bus operations in the Delhi NCR region.
Expanding Charging Infrastructure at Noida Depot
At the center of this development is the Noida bus depot, where a total of five electric charging stations are planned. At present, one charging station is fully operational and already being used for charging electric buses arriving from nearby depots. Construction work on three additional charging stations is currently in progress, while budget approval for the fifth station is still pending. Once all stations become operational, the depot will be better equipped to handle a growing electric fleet without operational delays.
Current Bus Fleet and Transition Plans
Currently, public transport services in the district rely heavily on compressed natural gas buses, with around 305 CNG buses operating daily. While CNG is considered cleaner than traditional diesel, it still contributes to emissions. To further reduce environmental impact, authorities have confirmed that the operation of electric buses will begin from the new year. This transition reflects a broader strategy to gradually shift away from fossil fuel-based transport toward electric alternatives.
Introduction of Double-Decker Electric Buses
As part of the upcoming rollout, around four double-decker electric buses are expected to be stationed at the Noida depot. These buses are scheduled to arrive soon and will add both capacity and efficiency to the public transport network. However, as of now, the depot does not house a single electric bus of its own. The arrival of these vehicles will mark the first phase of on-ground electric bus operations within the district.
Focus on Sustainable Transport in Delhi NCR
Being an integral part of the Delhi NCR region, Noida is actively contributing to long-term plans that prioritize electric buses alongside existing CNG services. Authorities are increasingly emphasizing electric mobility due to rising air pollution levels across the region. Poor air quality has become a serious public health concern, prompting transport agencies to invest in cleaner technologies. UP Roadways has also stepped up efforts to increase the number of electric buses operating across the NCR to support these environmental goals.
Charging Challenges and Rapid Expansion Strategy
At present, electric buses from Mathura and Agra depots are charged at the Noida facility. On average, it takes up to two hours to fully charge a single electric bus. While this setup is manageable for a limited number of vehicles, officials acknowledge that charging capacity could become a challenge once more electric buses are deployed locally. To prevent congestion and delays, rapid expansion of charging infrastructure is being carried out with future demand in mind.
Official Statement on Project Progress
Confirming the ongoing work, Rohitash Kumar, Assistant Regional Manager of Gautam Buddh Nagar, stated that one charging station is currently operational at the Noida depot and that a total of five stations will be functional once construction is completed. According to officials, this phased approach will ensure smooth operations as electric buses are gradually introduced into the system.
A Step Toward Cleaner Urban Mobility
The development of electric charging stations and the upcoming launch of electric buses signal a decisive move toward sustainable urban transport in Noida. By strengthening infrastructure in advance, authorities aim to avoid operational bottlenecks while supporting environmental improvement. As electric mobility gains momentum, Noida’s efforts could serve as a model for other cities looking to balance public transport efficiency with environmental responsibility.