* 12,717 electric buses over the next five years

* To deploy buses in Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Amaravati, Guntur, Kurnool, Kadapa, and Tirupati

* The first batch of electric buses will be introduced in metropolitan regions like Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has submitted a comprehensive proposal to the state government, requesting financial assistance of Rs.8,243 crore to procure a fleet of electric buses. This move is part of the corporation’s ambitious plan to transition to an eco-friendly public transport system by 2029.

According to sources within APSRTC, the plan envisions the gradual phasing out of diesel-powered buses and their replacement with 12,717 electric buses over the next five years. The proposal aligns with both state and central government initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable urban transport solutions.

Under the proposed scheme, the Prime Minister’s E-Bus (PM E-Bus) program has approved the deployment of electric buses in major cities across the state. These cities include Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Amaravati, Guntur, Kurnool, Kadapa, and Tirupati. The move is expected to significantly reduce pollution levels and improve urban mobility in these key regions.

“The electrification process will be carried out in a phased manner, with APSRTC prioritizing high-density routes and urban centers for the initial deployment. The first batch of electric buses will be introduced in metropolitan regions like Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, followed by expansion into tier-2 and tier-3 cities,” said an official.

In addition to reducing the carbon footprint, the transition to electric buses is expected to bring down operational costs. Electric buses require lower maintenance and have a higher energy efficiency compared to their diesel counterparts. APSRTC is also exploring options for setting up charging infrastructure across the state to facilitate a seamless transition. The proposal for Rs.8,243 crore includes funds for bus procurement, infrastructure development, and operational subsidies.

APSRTC has sought government backing to secure subsidies from the central government’s Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme, in addition to leveraging state budgetary allocations. State Transport Department officials are currently reviewing the proposal. If approved, the project will make Andhra Pradesh one of the leading states in India to implement a large-scale electric mobility plan in the public transportation sector. Officials believe that a fully electric fleet will not only enhance the quality of public transport but also contribute to Andhra Pradesh’s long-term sustainability goals.