Hyderabad Makes Big Move Towards Clean Transport
Hyderabad is advancing towards cleaner transport through the introduction of 60 new electric buses. This move aims to reduce pollution, aligning with state and government policies to curb vehicular emissions and incentivize EV sales.
Highlights
- •Introduction of 60 Electric Buses
- •Aims for 3,000 Electric Buses by 2027
- •State Offers Up to 20% Rebate on EV Purchases
- •Expansion Plans Include Additional Bus Depots
Hyderabad is taking a significant step towards reducing urban pollution with the introduction of 60 new electric buses by the Telangana government. The Transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar announced that these eco-friendly vehicles, which will serve new colonies along the Outer Ring Road, are part of an ambitious plan to introduce 500 such buses into the Telangana General State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) fleet.
Prabhakar also revealed plans for a further addition of 2,200 electric buses across the state. Currently, TGSRTC operates 960 electric buses, with 580 running on inter-city routes. The minister noted that if this expansion to 3,000 electric buses is realized, carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by up to 600 tonnes annually.
Boosting Sales and Public Transport
The state's efforts to curb vehicular emissions include financial incentives for government employees purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) with a maximum rebate of 20%. This initiative has been effective in boosting EV sales, making the transition smoother for both public transport and private vehicle owners.
During the flag-off event, local officials such as Madhavaram Krishna Rao MLA, Naveen MLC, Medchal district collector Manu Chaudhary, TSRTC managing director Nagi Reddy, and others were present. Addressing the gathering, Prabhakar highlighted the goal of deploying only electric buses across Hyderabad's network by 2027 to prevent severe pollution issues currently affecting cities like Delhi.
With diesel commercial and private vehicles being major contributors to nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, activists continue to warn about deteriorating air quality. As of now, TGSRTC serves over 35 lakh passengers daily in the twin cities via its buses.
Plans for Expansion
Reforms have been initiated since the Congress government took office. Currently, 545 electric buses are operating in Hyderabad. Under a Central Government scheme, officials plan to add more vehicles state-wide. Expansion plans include building an additional facility on a five-acre plot at Kukatpally depot.
To manage the transition and address employee concerns, Prabhakar stated that meetings with RTC unions will be held after elections, along with regular monthly hearings to resolve grievances.
