The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) has taken a significant step towards promoting eco-friendly transportation within the city by introducing a fleet of 25 Electric Green Metro Luxury AC buses. This initiative is part of a larger plan to deploy a total of 50 green Metro Luxury AC buses, underlining the commitment to sustainable urban mobility.
Keypoints about Electric Buses in Hyderabad
Transport Minister Puvvada Ajay Kumar, in conjunction with TSRTC VC&MD, V.C. Sajjanar, formally inaugurated these buses on Wednesday. Starting from September 23, these electric buses will be operational, contributing to a greener and cleaner urban environment for commuters.
Ajay Kumar emphasized that with the city’s expanding landscape in all directions, efforts are being made to enhance commuting services, integrating them with the metro services. The goal is to provide a seamless travel experience where various modes of transportation can be accessed using a single card. He highlighted the global transition to the electric era and stressed the importance of increasing the adoption of electric vehicles in India to ensure a pollution-free environment for future generations.
Also, V.C. Sajjanar mentioned the growing demand for electric AC buses within the city, particularly emphasizing the high occupancy ratio (OR) of buses operating on the airport route, which stands at an impressive 80 percent. Pradeep Rao, Olectra CMD, commended the RTC authorities for their concerted efforts in making these electric buses readily available to the public, reinforcing the commitment to sustainable and eco-conscious transportation solutions.
Earlier in August
TSRTC announced an ambitious plan to progressively transition to an entirely electric bus fleet for Hyderabad. The objective is to introduce a total of 500 electric buses within the city during this financial year.
Out of this planned fleet, 50 buses will feature air conditioning, while the remaining will consist of ordinary or metro express buses. Olectra, on a Gross Cost Contract (GCC) basis, will supply these buses to TSRTC in phased installments. Furthermore, an additional procurement of 800 electric buses for the city is in the pipeline, indicating a strong commitment to sustainable transportation.
The AC electric buses boast a length of 12 meters and are equipped with advanced electric features, setting new standards for eco-friendly commuting. Each bus accommodates up to 35 passengers, providing modern amenities such as mobile charging points, seat belts for enhanced safety, and CCTV cameras for security.
To ensure operational convenience and safety, these buses come with a reverse parking assistance camera, facilitating smooth and secure parking. For the benefit of commuters, four LED boards display vital destination details within the bus. Additionally, Fire Detection Suppression System (FDSS) has been integrated into the buses, prioritizing passenger safety.
In terms of range and charging capabilities, these AC electric buses can cover a distance of up to 225 kilometers on a single charge. Charging these buses to full capacity typically requires a time frame of 2 to 3 hours. Moreover, safety remains a paramount concern, evident through features like a panic button at every seat and a robust vehicle tracking system.
TSRTC’s initiative to introduce a significant number of electric buses underscores the commitment to sustainable urban transportation, aiming to reduce pollution and promote a cleaner, greener environment for the city and its residents.