Andhra Pradesh to introduce air-conditioned electric buses and expand EV infrastructure

The Hindu
The Hindu
3h ago
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Andhra Pradesh will purchase 1,450 air-conditioned electric buses and phase out diesel buses by 2030 with expanded EV infrastructure.
Andhra Pradesh to introduce air-conditioned electric buses and expand EV infrastructure
A What happened
Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has reviewed APSRTC’s electric mobility roadmap and ordered that all new electric buses, including Palle Velugu rural services, be air-conditioned for passenger comfort. The state plans to purchase 1,450 electric buses in the next financial year and fast-track EV charging infrastructure in Godavari districts, preparing for the Godavari Pushkaralu festival. A five-year plan aims to replace 8,819 diesel buses with electric buses, with a target of running only electric and CNG buses by 2030. This transition is expected to decrease pollution and operational costs significantly. Naidu also proposed outsourcing electric bus maintenance and boosting revenue via cargo transport and commercializing bus stations. The PM e-Bus Sewa scheme is supplying 750 electric buses with approval for 300 more in the Tirumala–Tirupati region. A pilot diesel-to-CNG bus project on Chittoor–Vellore route has shown positive outcomes.

Key insights

  • 1

    Passenger comfort integrated with sustainability goals: Requiring air-conditioning in all new electric buses signals Andhra Pradesh’s dual focus on modernizing public transit while promoting clean energy.

  • 2

    Infrastructure investment ahead of cultural events: Prioritizing EV charging stations in Godavari districts ahead of the Pushkaralu festival indicates strategic planning to meet short-term spikes in demand and demonstrate EV readiness.

  • 3

    Phased diesel bus replacement aligns with long-term climate targets: Setting a 2030 deadline for full transition to electric and CNG buses reflects policy alignment with national and global decarbonization efforts.

Takeaways

Andhra Pradesh’s electric bus rollout reflects a comprehensive approach to sustainable, passenger-friendly public transport, combining infrastructure investments with climate and operational goals.

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