The Uttar Pradesh government has authorised the use of 200 air-conditioned electric buses in Kanpur and Lucknow, marking a significant advancement in sustainable transportation. Residents of the two cities will be able to travel in cleaner, quieter, and more pleasant e-buses thanks to this pilot project, which was approved by the state cabinet on September 2, 2025.
The buses will be deployed under a Net Cost Contract (NCC) model for 12 years, a system where private operators handle most responsibilities like:
- Private firms will buy, operate, and maintain the buses.
- Charging stations, depots, and upkeep facilities will be established by the operator.
- Drivers, conductors, and maintenance staff will be appointed by the private company.
- Fare collection will be their responsibility, though the government will regulate routes and fares to ensure affordability.
In order to guarantee coverage and frequency, buses will be placed on ten designated routes in each city, with a minimum of ten buses per corridor.
By experimenting with the NCC model in Lucknow and Kanpur, UP hopes to make public transport more efficient, less financially burdensome on the exchequer, and more commuter-friendly.
With this action, Kanpur and Lucknow will set the standard for environmentally sustainable urban transport. Not only is the deployment of 200 e-buses a transportation improvement, but it also demonstrates UP's dedication to modern mobility, better air, and sustainable urban living.
For locals, it means more than anything else: a more dependable, environmentally friendly, and intelligent method of transportation within their city.
