Guwahati Expands Electric Bus Fleet with 100 New Additions
Guwahati has significantly bolstered its public transportation network with the arrival of 100 new electric buses, as announced by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. This delivery is part of the Assam State Transport Corporation's (ASTC) ongoing efforts to modernize the city's transit system and gradually eliminate privately operated diesel buses. The move is framed as a critical step toward creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation landscape in the state's largest city.
Government's Vision for Green Mobility
Chief Minister Sarma, addressing the media, highlighted that these buses were acquired under the central government's 'PM e-bus sewa' initiative launched in 2023. "Under the Prime Minister's initiative, Guwahati has received another 100 electric buses," Sarma stated. "I think, by next year, if required, we can withdraw more diesel buses in the city. Now, we have the capacity." This addition brings the city's total electric bus count to 271, complemented by 100 CNG buses, all managed by ASTC. The initiative aims to reduce air pollution and promote electric mobility across urban centers.
Private Bus Owners Raise Objections and Legal Challenges
While the government projects this as a turning point for sustainability, private bus owners have expressed strong objections, voicing uncertainty about their future. The state government has been withdrawing privately owned diesel buses from major routes to facilitate the transition. In response, the Metropolitan Transport Association, Guwahati (MTAG), filed a writ petition at the Gauhati High Court, challenging the Regional Transport Authority's (RTA) decision to remove diesel buses from routes 23 (Khanapara to Dharapur via Ganeshguri Flyover) and 36 (Basistha Mandir to Dharapur via Paltanbazar).
During court proceedings, it was clarified that drivers were not being removed but would be permitted to operate on these routes if they switched to electric or CNG vehicles. However, MTAG secretary Devraj Das pointed out practical hurdles. "The court has given us an interim order allowing us to apply for fresh permits if we switch to an alternate route or convert our vehicles to CNG or electric," Das explained. "While conversion is still an option, there are currently not enough CNG or electric charging stations in the city to meet our needs. We had requested a timeline of one and a half years to ensure that adequate infrastructure is in place before we make the switch. We are at a tight spot now, with no time left for the conversion and practically no options."
Advocates Call for Balanced Approach
Sustainable urban mobility advocate Arshel Akhtar emphasized the need for a more inclusive strategy. "While electric vehicles are a positive step, this decision threatens bus operators' income," Akhtar noted. "Subsidized loans for conversions would help, and ASTC can serve routes currently without buses. If the aim is to reduce carbon emissions, it will only affect GS Road, and a proper study is needed to assess overall impact, so that it's possible to achieve it." This perspective underscores the importance of supporting affected stakeholders while pursuing environmental goals.
Ongoing Deliberations and Future Plans
Meanwhile, Swapneel Paul, chairperson of the RTA board, indicated that authorities are currently deliberating on a rationalization plan to address the transition's complexities. The government's push aligns with broader national objectives under the 'PM e-bus sewa' scheme, which seeks to deploy electric buses in cities nationwide to curb pollution and foster green transport. As Guwahati moves forward, balancing innovation with the livelihoods of private operators remains a key challenge, requiring coordinated efforts between policy makers, transport authorities, and local communities.
