Maharashtra's Ulhasnagar may get 30 electric buses by October this year

ULHASNAGAR: The city may get 30 electric buses by October this year, providing major relief to commuters travelling between Ulhasnagar and neighbouring areas such as Thane, Ambernath, Badlapur, Murbad, and Navi Mumbai. The proposal was discussed during a meeting between Shiv Sena leader and former MLA Pappu Kalani, other Shiv Sena functionaries, and Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde on Monday, where several long-pending civic and infrastructure issues concerning the city were taken up.

Shiv Sena leader Kamlesh Nikam said the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation had submitted a proposal seeking 100 electric buses from the state government, which was later forwarded to the Centre. Out of these, 30 buses are likely to be allotted in the first phase by October. According to Nikam, the buses will operate on routes connecting Ulhasnagar with Murbad, Badlapur, Ambernath, Thane, and Navi Mumbai, significantly improving connectivity for residents, especially people from middle-class and economically weaker sections.

During the meeting, Sena leaders also discussed multiple development projects planned for the city. Nikam said deputy CM Shinde sanctioned fund of Rs 100 crore for concrete roads in city roads through Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) fund. Tender processes for these projects are expected to begin shortly.

Issues related to redevelopment and regularisation in Ulhasnagar were also raised during the meeting. Kalani demanded the appointment of key officials in the UMC, including an Additional Town Planner and deputy municipal commissioner, to speed up pending projects and administrative work. Shinde reportedly directed officials to fill the required posts at the earliest.

The meeting also focused on the city’s water supply concerns. Pappu Kalani sought the development of an independent water source for Ulhasnagar so that the civic body can reduce its dependence on expensive water purchased from Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation.