Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said that if one lakh villages in Uttar Pradesh are to be connected with cities, electric bus service can become a cheap and popular medium for affordable service. While participating in the ‘bhoomi pujan’ ceremony of Ashok Leyland’s electric vehicle factory here, the Chief Minister said, “There is an extensive network of over 1.05 lakh revenue villages and more than 2 lakh hamlets in Uttar Pradesh and electric buses can become an affordable and accessible means of connecting rural areas with cities.” Emphasising the significance of expediting production, he said, “Prakashji and Ashokji of Hinduja Group have just handed me the keys to the double-decker electric bus. I urge them to start production at the earliest, not just hand over the keys. The markets of not only Uttar Pradesh, but the entire North India, eagerly await your vehicles.”
Earlier, Yogi was presented with the symbolic key of a double-decker electric bus and a memento by representatives of the Hinduja Group. He conducted an inspection of the electric buses within the facility, familiarizing himself with their features. Hinduja Group officials provided detailed information about the e-vehicle functionalities. He also engaged in consultations with key stakeholders and officials of the Hinduja Group. Stating that the first electric vehicle plant of UP is going to be set up through Ashok Leyland, the Chief Minister said, “I extend my congratulations to the Hinduja Group and Ashoka Leyland for spearheading this initiative. In Uttar Pradesh, we have come up with investor-friendly policies. Similarly, investors will also have to make their investments public-friendly.” Highlighting the transformative potential, he said, “We possess a fleet of one lakh school buses, all ripe for replacement with electric counterparts, provided we take proactive steps in this direction.” Yogi encouraged the Hinduja Group to collaborate with the state government on the initiative, underscoring the potential to engage youth and enhance public transportation services. He said it was imperative to ensure connectivity to every village and facilitate transportation between villages and cities within Uttar Pradesh. He proposed the utilisation of small trucks to transport village products to cities, thereby creating opportunities for economic growth.
Highlighting the interconnectedness of Uttar Pradesh with neighbouring states, the Chief Minister said, “Uttar Pradesh does not mean Uttar Pradesh. It means Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Nepal as well, as all are connected with Uttar Pradesh in some form or another. All these states will take advantage of this facility.” He highlighted the state government’s Electric Vehicle Policy, noting the launch of investment projects worth Rs 10.24 lakh crore by the Prime Minister. “Today, Ashoka Leyland has started its work under this. I express confidence that the market of Uttar Pradesh is waiting for you. How quickly and rapidly you can proceed with your work will depend on you.” Elaborating on the policy, Yogi mentioned the provision of incentives of up to Rs 20 lakh for every electric bus, laying stree on its unique appeal to both investors and buyers. He hailed Uttar Padesh’s EV policy as one of the nation’s best, asserting its benefits for all stakeholders and its alignment with the Prime Minister’s goal of achieving net zero emissions. He described the policy as a positive step towards sustainability and economic progress, urging swift action to capitalise on its potential. Hinduja Group President Ashok Hinduja and his brother Prakash Hinduja were present on the occasion.