APSRTC Sets March 2027 Deadline for Complete Electric Bus Fleet Deployment
The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has officially announced March 2027 as the target date for the full operational rollout of 1,050 new electric buses sanctioned under the central government's PM e-Bus Sewa scheme. This ambitious plan represents a significant shift towards sustainable public transportation in the state, though it marks a delay from the original commencement timeline of 2025.
Infrastructure Delays Prompt Revised Timeline
The primary reason for the postponement is the current absence of adequate charging infrastructure across Andhra Pradesh. GV Ravi Varma, APSRTC Executive Director (Engineering), clarified that work on developing this critical infrastructure at bus stations and depots statewide is now expected to begin by April of this year. This commencement is contingent upon the anticipated release of funds from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
The corporation has prepared detailed estimates totaling Rs 237 crore for the project. This comprehensive budget is divided into two key components:
- Electric Works (Rs 109 crore): Fully funded by the Central Government. This includes the construction of new substations and the laying of 32 kV and 11 kV electric lines.
- Civil Works: The remaining cost is shared between the Centre and the State Government under a 60:40 ratio, covering necessary modifications and preparations at bus stations and depots.
Strategic Procurement and City-Wide Deployment
Under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme, the Centre has sanctioned a total of 1,050 electric buses for Andhra Pradesh. A notable segment of this fleet, 300 buses, is specifically allocated for operation on the crucial Tirumala-Tirupati pilgrimage route, aiming to reduce emissions in this highly frequented corridor.
For the supply of 750 of these buses, the Centre has awarded the Letter of Award to Pune-based EKA Mobility. This major contract will see buses deployed across 11 key cities in the state, enhancing urban mobility with zero-emission transport.
Phased Implementation and Technical Specifications
According to the APSRTC engineering head, the implementation will follow a phased approach. The electricity works, involving substation construction and cable laying, are scheduled to start in April and are projected to take 4 to 5 months for completion. The civil works at various bus stations and depots will be undertaken simultaneously across the state to expedite the overall process.
The fleet specifications for the 750 buses from EKA Mobility are as follows:
- 621 buses will be 12-metre models, suitable for high-capacity routes.
- 129 buses will be 9-metre models, ideal for narrower or less congested urban streets.
The 11 cities slated to receive these new electric buses include: Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Guntur, Amaravati, Kakinada, Rajamahendravaram, Anantapur, Nellore, Kurnool, and Kadapa. This wide geographic distribution underscores the state-wide commitment to electrifying public transport and improving air quality.
This move by APSRTC is a critical step in India's broader green mobility transition, aligning with national goals under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme to modernize public transport and reduce the carbon footprint of mass transit systems.
