Sariska Tiger Reserve Considers CNG Buses After EV Plan Fails

The Sariska Tiger Reserve may soon see CNG buses ferrying visitors after repeated attempts to launch electric bus services failed to attract operators. Officials are now preparing to seek the Supreme Court’s permission to operate CNG buses as an alternative green transport option.

Electric Bus Tenders Receive No Response

The forest department issued tenders twice for electric bus operations and extended deadlines several times. Despite this, no company came forward to operate the service. A forest officer stated, “In a recent meeting, it was discussed to explore alternative options and request the Hon’ble Supreme Court for CNG operations. The proposal will be presented in the next hearing.”

The move was initially prompted by the Supreme Court’s December deadline to reduce vehicular pollution in the reserve, highlighting Sariska’s ecological sensitivity as the only tiger habitat within the National Capital Region (NCR).

Challenges in EV Operations

The reserve, spread over 800 sq km, experiences heavy traffic from devotees visiting multiple temples, including the Pandupol Temple, located 22 km inside the core zone. Rajasthan Roadways issued tenders for electric bus operations, but operators cited the twice-weekly schedule, Tuesdays and Saturdays, as financially unviable.

Under the proposed system, visitors would park their vehicles at the reserve office and travel to the temple using electric or CNG buses, ensuring reduced vehicular pollution within the sanctuary.

CNG Buses as a Green Alternative

CNG buses are recognised as a cleaner energy option, providing a practical alternative to electric vehicles where operator participation is limited. The forest department hopes this solution will balance ecological conservation with visitor convenience.