Transformer for charging electric buses a tragedy waiting to happen

JAMMU: Although the State government has spent several crores for procuring 40 electric buses for the
state, but the preparations has been done in chaotic manner as the charging station for these buses
have been established with least concern for the safety of employees.
 The authorities haphazardly installed transformer at Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport
Corporation (JKSRTC) yard near Jammu Railway station, to supply power to the charging station, which is
posing risk to the officials and people visiting to the yard.  
The transformer is installed on the ground without security fence and precautionary warning, which is
clearly visible while entering the yard.
“The electric buses arrived in the month of May but the charging station has not been completed so
far,” an official said wishing anonymity.  
“The installation of transformer on the ground poses danger during summer months when electric
short-circuits are common. Moreover, the monsoon will arrive in 10-15 days then it will be more
dangerous,” an official said.  
“The fence has been lying near the transformer but the authorities have not bothered to cover the
transformer in proper manner,” he added.                    
 Earlier, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and JKSRTC had joined hand to established six electric
charging stations-- three each for Jammu and Srinagar.           
The JKSRTC had procured 40 electric buses from Tata Motors. In the first batch 10 electric buses arrived
in Jammu and while in the second batch 20 buses were shifted to Kashmir region.
The electric buses branded as the ‘New Horizon Vehicles’, cost around Rs 1 crore each and have been
procured under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme.
Sixty percent of the cost of these buses will be borne by the centre while the rest 40 percent will be paid
by the state government. The buses have been manufactured in a plant in Karnataka.