Telangana govt steadfastly implementing EV policy for sustainable transport: Minister Ponnam Prabhakar
The State is preparing a policy to ensure that 25–50% of vehicles used by government departments, school transport services, and others
By - Sistla Dakshina Murthy
Representational Image
Hyderabad: Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said the Telangana government is steadfastly implementing its Electric Vehicle (EV) policy, underscoring its long-term commitment to clean and sustainable transport.
This is despite the fact that incentives offered under the Electric Vehicle (EV) policy caused a revenue loss of Rs 900 crore.
Prabhakar said incentives such as a 20% concession for government employees purchasing EVs have significantly boosted adoption, with EV penetration in the State rising sharply from 0.3% to nearly 2%.
Greener government and commercial fleets
The State is preparing a policy to ensure that 25–50% of vehicles used by government departments, school transport services, pharma and IT companies are gradually converted to EVs based on operational requirements.
Replying to questions from members on the Electric Vehicle (EV) policy and RTC affairs, the Minister said the State’s focus is on environmental protection, commuter convenience, and employee welfare.
EV policy aimed at future generations
The Minister said the EV Policy was introduced through GO No. 41 to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations. He noted that EV adoption has picked up significantly, with nearly one lakh electric vehicles sold in the State over the past year.
He pointed out that technological improvements have enhanced vehicle performance, with EV range improving from about 150 km per charge earlier to nearly 500 km now. The government, he said, is periodically reviewing the policy to further improve efficiency and affordability.
Charging infrastructure being rapidly expanded
To support the growing EV ecosystem, the government is expanding charging infrastructure across the State. Charging stations are being set up at government offices, greater community halls, educational institutions, gated communities, and private establishments.
In addition, charging stations are being established through REDCO, and plans are in place to install them at all collectorates, restaurants, and major tourism locations.
Preventing a Delhi-like pollution crisis
Referring to Delhi’s poor air quality, the Minister said pollution levels there have crossed dangerous limits.
Learning from that experience, Telangana is proactively promoting EVs, CNG, and LPG vehicles to prevent Hyderabad from facing a similar crisis.
He stressed that improving air quality requires a combination of cleaner transport and increased plantation drives.
RTC electrification and fleet expansion
Telangana currently operates over 9,000 RTC buses.
Under the PM e-Drive scheme:
500 electric buses are already operating in the State.
2,800 electric buses will be introduced in Hyderabad in a phased manner.
100 electric buses have been sanctioned for Warangal and 50 for Nizamabad.
Electric buses are now running in all districts, including within Hyderabad’s Inner Ring Road limits.
Vehicle scrappage policy introduced
For the first time, the State has implemented a vehicle scrappage policy.
Under the policy:
Vehicles older than 15 years must be scrapped.
A green tax of Rs 30,000 has been imposed.
Vehicle owners opting for scrappage are being incentivised.
The Minister said the move will significantly reduce vehicular pollution.
Retrofitting diesel vehicles and auto regulations
Diesel buses and autos are being retrofitted into electric vehicles.
In city limits, only CNG, LPG, EV, and retrofitted autos are permitted, while diesel autos are being phased out.
RTC operations: Passenger reach and connectivity
Highlighting RTC’s scale of operations, the Minister said around 65 lakh passengers travel daily, and the buses cover 35 lakh km every day, 342 bus stations and 12,000 villages are connected across the State. Under the Mahalakshmi scheme, RTC employees are ensuring smooth, free travel for women passengers.
Employee welfare and safety measures
Employee welfare remains a priority, the Minister said. Key measures include:
Felicitation of drivers with 30 years of accident-free service during National Road
Safety Month
A tie-up with Union Bank to provide Rs 1 crore compensation to families of RTC employees who die in service.
Compassionate appointments for families of deceased employees.
He added that employees removed from service in earlier years have been reinstated after review through Prajavani petitions.
Debt reduction, new depots and routes
The government has significantly reduced RTC’s debt burden and has begun expanding infrastructure.
New bus depots have been established in Peddapalli, Mulugu, and Eturunagaram, while 326 new RTC routes have been introduced in Hyderabad alone.
Call for public participation
Concluding his reply, the Minister said transforming Telangana into a national role model in EV adoption requires public cooperation. “This is not just a government initiative. Public participation is crucial to deliver a pollution-free Telangana for the next generation,” he said.
