All new APSRTC electric buses, including Palle Velugu, to be air-conditioned, says Naidu

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed that all new electric buses to be introduced by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, including those under the Palle Velugu rural services, should be air-conditioned, underscoring the government’s emphasis on passenger comfort and modern public transport.

Reviewing APSRTC’s electric mobility roadmap at the Secretariat on Tuesday, the Chief Minister said all 1,450 buses proposed for purchase in the next financial year should be electric vehicles. He instructed officials to prioritise the establishment of EV charging stations in the Godavari districts in view of the upcoming Godavari Pushkaralu and to invite tenders at the earliest.

Mr. Naidu approved a long-term plan to replace 8,819 diesel buses with electric buses over the next five years. He also directed that buses with more than eight years of remaining operational life be gradually converted into electric vehicles. Stressing passenger-centric planning, he said transport infrastructure must be strengthened to meet rising commuter demand, particularly after the implementation of the Stree Shakti free bus travel scheme for women.

Highlighting the State’s commitment to sustainable mobility, the Chief Minister said Andhra Pradesh aims to operate only electric and CNG buses by 2030, replacing diesel vehicles in a phased manner. This transition, he said, would significantly reduce pollution and lower APSRTC’s long-term operating costs.

Mr. Naidu suggested outsourcing maintenance of electric buses to private operators to improve efficiency and called for greater focus on cargo transportation, on the lines of Indian Railways, to augment revenue. He also asked officials to explore commercial income opportunities from bus stations.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme, the Centre is providing 750 electric buses to the State, with in-principle approval for an additional 300 buses for the Tirumala–Tirupati region. A pilot project converting diesel buses to CNG on the Chittoor–Vellore route has also yielded positive results.