Vice President Kashim Shettima on Sunday launched 200 electric tricycles and 30 CNG hybrid buses in Katsina State, as part of the state government’s drive to modernise public transportation.

The vehicles, launched during Mr Shettima’s one-day official visit to the state, are expected to provide cleaner, more efficient and affordable transportation for residents across the three senatorial districts.

The state Governor Dikko Radda said the 200 electric tricycles were the first phase of a programme aimed at deploying 500 electric Keke EVs across the state.

Mr Radda said the initiative would not only promote cleaner mobility but also create opportunities for transport operators, young people, technicians and businesses in the emerging electric mobility sector.

He described the initiative as “From Energy Transition to Economic Transformation,” saying the objective was to build a modern transportation ecosystem capable of creating jobs, supporting businesses and improving mobility.

The governor said the 30 CNG hybrid buses would serve Katsina, Daura and Funtua, with students, workers, traders and other residents expected to benefit from the service.

He stated that the government established a main terminal and workshop in Katsina, alongside mini-terminal stations in Daura and Funtua, to support the operation and maintenance of the buses.

According to him, 40 modern bus stops are also being provided across the three selected local government areas, with facilities including Wi-Fi and solar inverter systems.

Mr Radda said effective public transportation required not only vehicles, but functional terminals, maintenance facilities, passenger infrastructure and reliable operational arrangements.

The governor also disclosed that more than 240 kilometres of urban and rural roads had been covered through various infrastructure interventions across the state.

Earlier, Mr Shettima also inaugurated 11.2 kilometres of major road projects in the Katsina metropolis.

The roads comprised the dualised 4.80-kilometre Kofar Sauri, Central Mosque Roundabout Road, 2.40-kilometre Central Police Station Junction-Kofar Kaura Underpass Road and the newly constructed 4-kilometre Filin Polo–Ring Road.

Mr Radda said the roads formed part of 12 major urban renewal projects being implemented in the Katsina metropolis to improve connectivity, ease traffic congestion and reduce travel time.

He noted that similar interventions were being extended to Daura and Funtua to ensure that infrastructure development reached the three senatorial zones.

The governor said the state government’s approach was to establish an integrated and interconnected road network rather than execute isolated projects.

He added that the investments were aimed at connecting communities to markets, schools and healthcare facilities, while creating better conditions for agriculture, commerce and private-sector investment.

Mr Radda appreciated President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government for supporting infrastructure development and economic growth in the state. 

(NAN)