The University of Pune has decided not to invest in pollution-free or battery-operated vehicles for providing commuting facility on the campus.
Taking cue from the proverbial saying once bitten twice shy, the University of Pune (UoP) has decided not to invest in pollution-free or battery-operated vehicles for providing commuting facility on the campus.
The varsity with much fanfare had started the shuttle service from the University main gate to various areas on the campus in 2003, revived it in 2008 and 2011. However, all their three attempts failed even as they had sanctioned Rs10 lakh for the project in 2008, said a varsity source, adding that the initial investment was around 1crore.
According to the sources, “‘We have published tenders in newspapers on Saturday. However, this time it will the bidder’s responsibility to provide funds to procure vehicles, hire drivers and operate it.”
Before biding, the bidder will have to obtain the necessary permission from regional transport office (RTO). UoP will give permission only to operate the vehicles on campus, provide water to clean them and electricity for recharging them without charging any money.
The university campus is spread over 411 acres and sees over five thousand footfalls daily. There are some 50 postgraduate departments, 400 staff quarters, 100 officer-level accommodations besides 12 hostels. The university always intended to make the campus pollution free and reduce the use of private vehicles on the campus, said the source.
And thus the battery-operated vehicle was introduced. Initially, it had two vehicles that would ferry people at a very minimal cost. However, lack of maintenance affected the service.
Sources maintained that the UoP is eyeing bids from well-known brands Mahindra and Bajaj.
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