KKN Gurugram Desk | In a significant push toward eco-friendly public transportation, the E-Atal electric bus service operating from Prayagraj is set to expand its route network to include the holy city of Ayodhya. After successful operations to Lucknow and Robertsganj, officials have now confirmed that Ayodhya will be the next destination in the ongoing rollout of sustainable transport solutions in Uttar Pradesh.

The move comes as part of the Uttar Pradesh government’s initiative to improve intercity electric mobility while preparing for future large-scale religious and cultural events like the Mahakumbh and Ram Mandir Yatra Tourism Surge.

 E-Atal Bus to Ayodhya: What We Know So Far

• Route: Prayagraj to Ayodhya

• Operator: Uttar Pradesh Roadways, Prayagraj Region

• Bus Type: Fully electric, zero-emission E-Atal buses

• Launch Timeline: Scheduled for rollout in the next operational phase

• Ticket Fare: To be announced (comparative fares: ₹386 to Lucknow, ₹318 to Robertsganj)

As of now, E-Atal buses from Prayagraj are already serving multiple routes including Lucknow, Pratapgarh, Sultanpur, Unchahar, Gopiganj, Khaga, Kunda, Handia, Muratganj, and Robertsganj.

 Why the Ayodhya Route Matters

With Ayodhya becoming a major spiritual, tourist, and cultural hub, especially after the inauguration of the Ram Mandir, the demand for eco-friendly and reliable transport options has increased manifold.

The launch of E-Atal buses on the Prayagraj to Ayodhya route will not only cater to pilgrims and travelers, but also help in reducing vehicular pollution across the region.

“This route holds religious and economic importance. The E-Atal electric buses will offer a clean, affordable, and comfortable journey to Ayodhya,” said a senior Roadways official in Prayagraj.

 Green Transport Push: Mahakumbh to Intercity Mobility

The introduction of electric buses under the Atal Bus Service scheme initially began in the run-up to the Mahakumbh. The Prayagraj Roadways Division was allocated 24 E-Atal buses, which were used in shuttle mode during the mega religious event to manage crowd mobility and reduce emissions.

Post Mahakumbh, the plan was to deploy these buses on routes within a 200 km radius of Prayagraj. However, a lack of charging infrastructure in neighboring districts delayed full-scale operations.

With recent developments in charging station installations in Lucknow and Robertsganj, two routes have already gone live. Ayodhya now becomes the third key intercity link to be served by electric buses.

 Charging Infrastructure: The Game-Changer

Successful deployment of electric buses depends heavily on EV charging stations. According to the Prayagraj Transport Division, charging points in Lucknow and Robertsganj are now fully operational, allowing for uninterrupted two-way travel.

For the Ayodhya route, charging infrastructure is either already ready or in the final stages of setup, which paves the way for the E-Atal buses to start operations soon.

 Current Status:

• Lucknow – Charging Station Active

• Robertsganj – Charging Station Active

• Ayodhya – Installation nearing completion

These advancements in infrastructure support the state’s larger goal of building a sustainable EV ecosystem in public transport across Uttar Pradesh.

Current E-Atal Bus Routes from Prayagraj

Passengers in Prayagraj can currently avail E-Atal bus services to the following destinations:

The addition of Ayodhya to this list will make it one of the most comprehensive green intercity bus networks in the state.

 Travel Benefits: Why Commuters Prefer E-Atal Buses

The E-Atal electric buses offer several advantages over conventional diesel buses:

• Eco-Friendly: Zero tailpipe emissions reduce air pollution

• Comfortable Seating: Spacious interiors and low noise

• Cost-Effective: Fares are competitively priced

• Reliable and Timely: GPS-tracked schedules and modern control systems

• Support for Pilgrims and Tourists: Ideal for religious travel to cities like Ayodhya and Varanasi

 Challenges Still Ahead

While the rollout is progressing, a few roadblocks remain:

• Insufficient charging stations in some smaller towns

• Maintenance of electric buses requires skilled personnel and specialized tools

• Driver training and route planning for optimum energy efficiency

To overcome these challenges, the transport department is working on training programs, mobile charging backups, and route optimization through smart transport analytics.

 Strategic Importance of the Prayagraj-Ayodhya Corridor

The Prayagraj-Ayodhya corridor is among the most traveled religious routes in India. With the development of Ayodhya as a global spiritual city, and Prayagraj already a Kumbh destination, this route is now a pilgrimage superhighway.

By introducing E-Atal buses, the government is not only facilitating transport but also making a statement about clean energy adoption in public mobility sectors.

Uttar Pradesh’s EV Push: Bigger Vision

The E-Atal electric bus program is part of a larger Uttar Pradesh Electric Vehicle Policy, which aims to:

• Introduce 1,000+ electric buses by 2026

• Develop multi-city charging corridors

• Offer incentives to EV fleet operators

• Achieve carbon neutrality in key transport hubs like Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Ayodhya

This focus places Uttar Pradesh among India’s leading EV mobility adopters, especially in the public sector.

The upcoming launch of the E-Atal bus service from Prayagraj to Ayodhya is a major win for sustainable transportation in Uttar Pradesh. It blends religious tourism, environmental responsibility, and urban mobility planning into a single initiative that will benefit thousands of daily and occasional commuters.

With charging infrastructure in place and a fleet ready to roll, the green corridor from Prayagraj to Ayodhya is all set to redefine eco-conscious intercity travel in 2025 and beyond.