Guwahati Gets 100 New E-Buses, Diesel Buses to Be Phased Out by 2027

Guwahati Adds 100 E-Buses, Plans Diesel Phase-Out Amid Operators’ Concerns. Guwahati’s public transport network is set for a major transformation as chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the addition of 100 new electric buses to the city’s fleet.

The buses have been inducted under the Centre’s PM e-Bus Sewa initiative and will be operated by the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC).

With the latest addition, the city now operates 271 electric buses and 100 CNG buses under ASTC.

The chief minister stated that the strengthened fleet gives the government enough capacity to gradually withdraw diesel-run buses from city roads.

He indicated that by next year, if required, more diesel buses could be phased out.

Green Corridors and Policy Alignment

The state government has already begun restricting diesel buses on key routes, including Route 23 (Khanapara to Dharapur) and Route 36 (Basistha Mandir to Dharapur), effectively converting them into green corridors.

Officials say the move is aimed at reducing air pollution and lowering carbon emissions in Guwahati.

The transition aligns with Assam’s broader electric vehicle policy targets, which aim to significantly increase EV adoption and gradually transition public transport to electric mobility in the coming years.

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Legal Challenge by Private Operators

The decision has, however, sparked resistance from private bus owners.

The Metropolitan Transport Association, Guwahati (MTAG) filed a petition before the Gauhati High Court challenging the Regional Transport Authority’s move to withdraw diesel buses from major routes.

During the hearing, authorities clarified that drivers would not be removed from service and could continue operating if they converted their vehicles to electric or CNG.

The High Court granted an interim order allowing operators to apply for fresh permits upon conversion or by shifting to alternate routes.

Infrastructure and Financial Concerns

Despite the relief, private operators argue that Guwahati currently lacks sufficient EV charging stations and CNG refuelling infrastructure to support large-scale conversion.

MTAG representatives have requested a transition window of at least 18 months to ensure adequate infrastructure is in place.

Urban mobility experts have supported the environmental objective but stressed the need for subsidized loans and financial assistance to prevent economic strain on smaller operators.