Andhra Pradesh Directs APSRTC To Scale Up Electric Fleet

Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has been directed by the state government to increase the number of electric vehicles in its fleet and accelerate the roll out of charging infrastructure across the state. The chief minister has emphasised the need to transition the public transport system towards low emission mobility as part of broader climate and urban planning goals. The directive requires the transport corporation to prepare a phased plan to procure additional electric buses and retrofit depots for maintenance and charging readiness. The plan is to integrate electrification with scheduled service expansion and depot modernisation.

The phased plan is expected to outline procurement targets, depot upgrades, crew training and a timeline for deployment. The corporation will be asked to assess depot power requirements and coordinate with state utilities to ensure grid readiness and fast charging facilities at strategic locations. Officials will also be required to evaluate total cost of ownership and potential savings on fuel and maintenance over the medium term.

Implementation will proceed in stages with pilot routes and subsequent scale up based on operational feedback and performance metrics. The transport department will monitor progress and report on key indicators including vehicle availability, charging utilisation and operating costs. Collaboration with manufacturers and energy providers will be encouraged to secure favourable procurement terms and support for warranty and service arrangements.

The move is expected to reduce emissions from the public transport sector and improve air quality in urban centres while lowering long term operational expenditure for the corporation. Passenger experience is likely to improve through quieter rides and modern amenities associated with newer vehicles. The state government sees the initiative as part of a broader shift towards sustainable mobility and resilience in transport planning.

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