Hyderabad: Commuters in Hyderabad can look forward to an eco-friendly and enhanced travel experience as the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) embarks on a significant initiative to introduce 1,300 electric buses into its operational fleet. This forward-looking move aims to not only elevate passenger comfort and convenience but also contribute to environmental preservation by curbing pollution levels within the city.
In a recent development, TSRTC Managing Director VC Sajjanar personally examined a prototype of the new electric bus at Bus Bhavan in Hyderabad on Monday. Expressing keen interest in passenger amenities, Sajjanar discussed the facilities provided on the electric buses and emphasized the importance of swift availability to serve the commuting public.
Highlighting the plans for this eco-conscious transition, Sajjanar revealed, “Olectra Greentech Limited (OGL) has committed to providing a total of 550 electric buses, out of which 500 will operate within Hyderabad city, and the remaining 50 will serve the Vijayawada route.” Presently, the Vijayawada route already boasts the operation of 10 electric buses, and the upcoming expansion will extend to Hyderabad’s arterial routes.
The first phase of this transformational project includes the introduction of 50 electric AC buses in Hyderabad, strategically placed to enhance connectivity for passengers. Notably, 20 electric buses will operate along the Shamshabad Airport route, while an additional 30 will serve the IT corridor. Of these, 25 electric buses are slated for imminent deployment within Hyderabad.
TSRTC’s proactive approach envisions the gradual replacement of conventional diesel buses with electric alternatives, a move poised to manifest in the coming days. The financial year will witness the induction of 500 electric buses into Hyderabad’s transit system. Among these, 50 will feature air-conditioning, while the remaining buses will be of both ordinary and metro express variants.
Olectra Greentech Limited will play a pivotal role in facilitating this transition, supplying buses to TSRTC on a Gross Cost Contract (GCC) basis. Furthermore, TSRTC is actively exploring avenues to procure an additional 800 electric buses for Hyderabad, signifying a robust commitment to sustainable transportation.
Present during this pivotal phase were TSRTC Chief Operating Officer (COO) Dr V Ravindra, Olectra Greentech Limited Vice President (Sales and Marketing) Venugopal Rao, and other esteemed officials from both TSRTC and OGL. As Hyderabad takes steadfast strides towards eco-friendly and modernized public transportation, the collaborative efforts of TSRTC and its partners promise a greener and more efficient travel landscape for the city’s residents and visitors.