Private e-bus operators to be included in city bus services; fares, parking, and routes to be clearly defined: CM

Lucknow : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Wednesday, reviewed the projects being run by the Urban Development Department. He also discussed future plans and gave important instructions during the meeting.

Below are the key directions issued by the Chief Minister-

● The initiative to promote environmentally friendly clean-fuel buses in urban transport is yielding positive results. Currently, 700 electric buses are operating across 15 cities. It must be ensured that no diesel or CNG buses older than 15 years are used. Such buses should be scrapped and replaced with electric buses.

● Private operators of electric buses should also be given opportunities in city bus services. Their fare should be regulated in view of the wider public interest. Proper parking spaces and fixed routes should be assigned to them. These private e-buses should be connected to nearby towns. This can become an effective model for urban transport.

● Vehicle parking in cities is becoming increasingly challenging. Parking arrangements must be planned based on demand, location, and time. Parking fees should be uniform. Monthly passes should be issued for local traders, shop employees, and office staff. It must be strictly ensured that no illegal collection is done anywhere in the name of parking across the state.

● There should be uniformity in the placement of advertisement hoardings in cities. Dangerous hoardings should be replaced with electronic display boards. All illegal hoardings must be removed immediately. Clear regulations should be in place for all urban local bodies. This can also serve as a good source of revenue for them. It must be ensured that no hoarding distorts or disrespects statues or images of great men.

● There is no uniformity in the fees charged by municipal corporations, municipalities, and town councils for matters related to property transfer, registration, wills, etc. A system should be created to ensure a standardized process and uniform fee structure across all municipal bodies.

● The state government has planned to develop all municipal bodies located in district headquarters as “Smart Municipalities.” These smart municipalities will focus on digital governance and value-added citizen services such as monitoring of air and water pollution, tracking of waterlogging issues, smart parking, smart lighting systems, exhibition centers, auditoriums, vending zones, digital libraries, and promotion of renewable energy projects—aimed at improving ease of living. There should be healthy competition among these municipalities. A budget has already been allocated, and a detailed action plan should be prepared.

● The Shivalik Park built in Prayagraj using waste materials has become a major attraction for devotees and tourists. It serves as a good model. On similar lines, a grand ‘Krishna Lok’ park in Mathura-Vrindavan, and a ‘Lavkush Park’ along with a ‘Shri Purushottam Darshan Experience Centre’ in Ayodhya should be developed using city waste and metal scrap. These parks should depict stories from the lives of Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, and Lav-Kush through 3D interactive models and light-and-sound shows. These will become key tourist and pilgrim attractions.

● The issue of stray dog bites is becoming serious. A permanent solution must be found.

● There should be no shortage of manpower in municipal bodies. All vacant positions should be filled without delay. If staff is to be hired through outsourcing, the process should be completed quickly.

● All municipal bodies must make solid efforts to increase their revenue. After Lucknow, Ghaziabad, and Agra, now Varanasi and Prayagraj municipal corporations will issue municipal bonds this month. Preparations should also be made for Gorakhpur, Meerut, and Kanpur to issue municipal bonds in this financial year.

● Before the rainy season starts, all urban bodies should improve their drainage systems. Make sure there is no waterlogging. Build new drains if necessary.