Assam State Transport Corporation Expands Fleet with 100 Electric Buses
In a significant boost to sustainable public transportation, the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) officially received 100 electric buses on Saturday under the central government's 'PM e-Bus Sewa' initiative. The buses were virtually flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a major step forward in modernizing urban transit in the region.
Guwahati Leads Nationwide Distribution
Guwahati has emerged as the top recipient city under this scheme, receiving the full allocation of 100 electric buses. This places it ahead of other major cities in the distribution, with Nagpur and Bhavnagar each receiving 50 buses, and Chandigarh getting 25 buses. The strategic allocation underscores the government's focus on enhancing public transport infrastructure in rapidly growing urban centers.
Substantial Fleet Expansion for ASTC
The addition of these 100 electric vehicles represents a substantial expansion for ASTC's operational capacity. Officials confirmed that the corporation's fleet has now increased from 271 to 371 buses. When combined with the existing 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses already in service, ASTC's total fleet strength now stands at an impressive 471 vehicles. This expansion significantly enhances the corporation's ability to serve the growing transportation needs of Assam's population.
Strategic Deployment Plans for Electric Buses
Biju Deka, Chief General Manager of ASTC, emphasized the critical importance of these new electric buses for Guwahati's evolving public transportation network. "As our city continues to expand rapidly, these modern electric buses will play a vital role in providing efficient, sustainable, and reliable transit services to residents," Deka stated.
According to established guidelines, the electric buses will primarily be deployed for city operations, with approximately 60-70% of the fleet expected to operate within Guwahati's municipal limits. However, ASTC has developed contingency plans to ensure optimal utilization of all vehicles.
"If operating all buses within the city becomes challenging due to traffic congestion or other operational factors, we have already planned to extend services to nearby areas including Mirza, Baihata, Jagi Road, Nalbari, and Rangia," Deka explained. This flexible approach ensures that the new buses will serve maximum commuters while adapting to practical operational constraints.
Comprehensive Charging Infrastructure in Place
A key advantage for the successful implementation of this electric bus initiative is the already established charging infrastructure throughout Guwahati and surrounding regions. Deka highlighted the availability of adequate charging facilities at strategic locations to support smooth daily operations.
"We currently have approximately 32 charging stations at our Rupnagar ASTC facility and an additional 17 charging stations at the Inter-State Bus Terminal in the Bhetkuchi area," he detailed. Furthermore, charging stations have been established outside the city limits as well, creating a comprehensive network that supports both urban and potential regional operations.
This infrastructure readiness eliminates a common barrier to electric vehicle adoption and positions ASTC to maximize the operational efficiency of their new electric fleet from day one.
Broader Implications for Sustainable Transit
The introduction of 100 electric buses under the PM e-Bus Sewa initiative represents more than just a numerical increase in vehicles. It signals a strategic shift toward environmentally friendly public transportation in one of India's rapidly developing regions. The initiative aligns with national goals for reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable urban development.
As ASTC integrates these electric buses into their daily operations, commuters in Guwahati and surrounding areas can expect cleaner, quieter, and more efficient transportation options. The expansion also creates opportunities for improved connectivity between urban centers and neighboring regions, potentially stimulating economic activity and enhancing quality of life for residents across Assam.
