Karnataka to receive electric buses under PM E-Drive: Kumaraswamy
New Delhi (PTI): Karnataka will receive electric buses in a "phased and prioritised manner" under the Centre's flagship PM E-Drive Scheme, Union Heavy Industries Minister H D Kumaraswamy said on Friday.
The Ministry of Heavy Industries had received a formal proposal from the Karnataka government seeking allocation of electric buses under the initiative.
Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy submitted the state's request, citing need for enhanced urban public transport systems in key cities.
Kumaraswamy held deliberations with senior officials of the Heavy Industries Ministry and assured the Karnataka government of complete support from the Centre.
The minister confirmed that the process of allocation is already underway and that Karnataka will receive electric buses in a phased and prioritised manner.
"I will ensure that Karnataka receives all due support from the Government of India," Kumaraswamy said.
"Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are transforming public mobility across India. Karnataka will definitely receive buses under PM E-Drive," he added.
Over 14,000 electric buses are to be allocated to nine major cities under the initiative.
The scheme has an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore for two years from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2026.
Discussions between the Union and state governments have also covered associated infrastructure, including charging stations, bus depots, and vehicle maintenance systems.
Officials from both sides explored implementation models to ensure rapid roll-out across identified urban clusters, a statement said.
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Yamal misses a penalty and Barcelona''s late collapse hands Girona a 2-1 win in La Liga
Girona (Spain) (AP): Lamine Yamal missed a penalty as Barcelona lost at Girona 2-1 on Monday and passed up a chance to overtake Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
The defeat was the second in less than a week for Barca and left it second in the table, two points behind Madrid.
A win would have taken it above its archrival but, instead, a crisis brewed for coach Hansi Flick, whose side lost to Atletico Madrid 4-0 in the Copa del Rey last week.
The second loss came even though Barcelona took the lead early in the second half.
Yamal hit the post with his spot kick on the stroke of halftime but 14 minutes into the second period Pau Cubarsí met Jules Kounde's cross from the right and placed his header perfectly into the top corner.
The goal was Barcelona's 100th in all competitions this season and made it the second club in Europe's big five domestic leagues to hit the century after Bayern Munich.
However, Girona roared back into the game just three minutes later.
Barcelona's Joan Garcia was already the busier of the two goalkeepers but he could not stop Thomas Lemar side-footing home from close range after nice work from Vladyslav Vanat on the left wing.
Both sides pushed for a decisive second and it was Girona who executed with three minutes remaining, substitute Fran Beltrán scoring with a low shot from just inside the box.
Girona's Joel Roca was sent off in the dying seconds but there were no more goals.
The victory ended a three-game winless streak for Girona and lifted it three places into 12th, equal on points with Getafe.
Only seven points separate the 11 clubs from eighth to 18th in La Liga.
