The Maharashtra Tourism Department has taken a significant step towards sustainable tourism by introducing 20 electric buses. This eco-friendly initiative aims to enhance the travel experience for both domestic and international tourists visiting the Ajanta Caves, which UNESCO recognises as a world heritage site. Introducing these electric buses is intended to provide a convenient and environmentally friendly transportation option, reducing the environmental impact of travel to this historic site.
Vijay Jadhav, the enthusiastic assistant director of the state tourism department, shared with PTI that they are introducing a new fleet of 20 electric buses to cater to the needs of both domestic and foreign tourists visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The decision to switch from the conventional diesel bus, which often led to long waiting times for tourists until the bus reached total capacity, marks a significant improvement. With the implementation of these electric buses, visitors can now look forward to a seamless, pollution-free travel experience, eliminating any waiting time and enhancing their overall enjoyment of the site. This initiative is set to transform the tourism experience for all travellers.
"The fleet of 20 buses, both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned, have a carrying capacity of 14 and 22 passengers. We expect that the entire fleet will be operational by October 20. A film on the Ajanta Caves will be shown en route to give visitors an idea about the site," he said.
He also announced the upcoming launch of a new, easy-to-use booking system designed specifically to cater to the needs of tourists visiting the area. In addition, the bus service is expected to create job opportunities for 32 individuals, contributing to the local economy. To provide frequent and reliable transportation, the service plans to ensure that buses are available every two minutes, promising a convenient and efficient travel experience for residents and visitors alike.
The Ajanta Caves encompass 30 complexes featuring viharas (worship halls) and monasteries embellished with paintings depicting the life of Lord Buddha. Situated over 100km from Aurangabad amidst the arid topography and volcanic provinces of the Deccan Plateau, they are the remnants of a Buddhist monastery complex of immense historical significance and vast proportions. Originally home to hundreds of monks on a quest for truth and knowledge, the site today draws pilgrims and tourists who come to witness the most outstanding example of Classical Buddhist art and architecture in the world. The caves at Ajanta were deliberately constructed to provide a peaceful environment for Buddhist monks, strategically located to keep them hidden and undisturbed. It is believed that each cave had its private staircase leading to the river below, although these steps have eroded over time and no longer exist. Historians assert that these caves were built in the 2nd century BCE during the Hinayana era, the earliest phase of Buddhism. As Buddhism waned in this region around the 5th century CE, the caves were eventually abandoned.