In a major stride toward sustainable urban mobility, the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) has officially floated a ₹10.24 crore tender for the construction of a dedicated Electric Vehicle (EV) Bus Depot at Depot No. 2 in Belagavi.
The project is a foundational step under the Central Government’s PM-eBus Sewa Scheme, setting the stage for 100 newly sanctioned electric buses to transform the city’s public transportation network. The project carries a strict nine-month completion timeline, excluding the monsoon season.
A Complete Infrastructure Overhaul
To accommodate the specialized requirements of an all-electric fleet, the existing administrative buildings and repair bays at Depot No. 2 will be completely dismantled. In their place, a modern, fully integrated hub will be built from the ground up.
The ₹10.24 crore budget has been strategically allocated across several major components:
- Workshop & Store Building (₹2.83 Crore): A high-tech maintenance facility equipped to handle specialized electric powertrain servicing and component storage.
- Parking & Circulation Areas (₹2.29 Crore): Heavy-duty concrete paving designed to support the weight of the electric buses and facilitate smooth traffic flow.
- Administrative Building (₹1.90 Crore): A modern, two-storey facility to manage fleet operations, scheduling, and staff.
The remainder of the contract covers essential support systems, including robust drainage networks, underground and overhead water storage, a security cabin, high-mast lighting, fire protection systems, and comprehensive road signages.
Funding a Greener Future
The infrastructure push aligns with a broader state-wide initiative. The Karnataka Transport Department recently sanctioned ₹25.83 crore to upgrade electric bus infrastructure across ten cities.
This pool is jointly funded by the Central Government (₹14.96 crore) and the State Government (₹10.87 crore).
Out of this state-wide package, Belagavi has been allocated ₹2.95 crore (₹1.71 crore from the Centre and ₹1.24 crore from the State) strictly for modernizing its depots to support eco-friendly transit.
What This Means for Belagavi
With 100 electric buses already sanctioned for the city, the completion of this depot is the final puzzle piece before the vehicles hit the roads.
Once operational, the fleet will serve as the backbone of Belagavi’s daily commute—significantly lowering the city’s carbon footprint, reducing urban noise pollution, and providing commuters with a cleaner, quieter, and more reliable transit experience.
