Buses Diverted for Ram Mandir, Commuters in Lucknow Face Delay

Key Highlights:
•    90 electric buses diverted from Lucknow to Ayodhya post Ram temple consecration.
•    Passenger capacity drops from 40-45,000 to 25-30,000 daily.
•    108 electric and 50 CNG buses temporarily added to bridge transport gap.
•    Gomti Nagar depot increases trips to cover affected routes.
•    Significant fleet expansion expected by March-April for improved summer commuting.

After the grand consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Lucknow's city bus fleet has faced disruptions. Approximately 90 electric buses from the regular fleet of 248 vehicles have been diverted to Ayodhya to cater to the transportation needs of devotees. 

R.K Tripathi, the Managing Director of Lucknow City Transport Services Limited, confirmed the diversion, stating that the remaining 158 buses, a mix of electronic and CNG vehicles, are now operational within the city.

Tripathi reassured commuters that despite the reduced fleet size, efforts were being made to mitigate the inconvenience. He highlighted an increase in the frequency of bus trips, with buses now making 12-15 trips a day compared to the usual 10 trips. However, many commuters expressed frustration over the situation. 

Utpal Kumar, representing the Dainik Yatri Association, disclosed that efforts were made to address the issue, with requests made to the MD for more buses on city routes. 

While assurances have been given regarding the return of the diverted buses, the exact date remains uncertain, leaving commuters hopeful for a swift resolution to restore normalcy to Lucknow's public transport system.

Tripathi estimated that the current capacity of the city's bus fleet, which previously could transport nearly 40-45,000 passengers daily, has now decreased to 25-30,000 passengers due to the diversion of buses to Ayodhya. Despite this setback, efforts are underway to bridge the gap in transportation services.

Presently, Lucknow operates two bus depots for local transport buses: one in Gomti Nagar for CNG buses and another in Dubagga for both CNG and electric buses. With 90 electric buses deployed in Ayodhya, the city has faced a shortage, prompting adjustments in the existing fleet.

For the past few weeks, and anticipated for a couple more, 108 electric buses and 50 CNG buses have been deployed to compensate for the diverted fleet. 

Manoj Sharma, assistant regional manager of the Gomti Nagar depot, revealed that additional trips have been added to cover the routes affected by the diversion.

Sharma elaborated that from the Gomti Nagar depot alone, covering three main routes, an extra 35 trips have been scheduled to alleviate the transportation strain caused by the absence of buses diverted to Ayodhya.

Also Read: Countdown to Ram Mandir Consecration: GreenCell Mobility Deploys 150 Electric Buses to Enhance Connectivity for Ram Mandir

While an exact date for the return of the diverted buses remains uncertain, officials from Lucknow City Transport Services have disclosed plans for a significant fleet expansion by the end of March or April. 

The addition of new buses aims to enhance commuting convenience, especially with the approaching peak summer season, ensuring adequate transportation services for Lucknow's residents.

CMV360 Says

As a daily commuter who depends on the bus, travel has become difficult with fewer buses plying in Lucknow. The diversion of 90 electric buses for ram mandir devotees means longer waits and crowded rides for them. Waiting times have increased, and sometimes passengers had to rethink their travel plans due to the diverted buses. 

But it's reassuring to know that authorities are trying to make up for the shortfall by adding more trips and planning for a bigger fleet soon.