Assam CM Launches 200 Electric Buses in Guwahati: Know Routes and Ticket Prices
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sharma inaugurated 200 electric buses in Guwahati and revealed his plans to make Guwahati India’s first city entirely reliant on a green public transportation system by 2025.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma marked the beginning of 2024 by presenting an eco-conscious gift to the people of Guwahati.
In a visionary move, he announced plans to transform the city into India’s inaugural fully green-powered urban center by 2025.
On the same day, Sarma took a significant step toward this goal by flagging off 200 electric buses in Guwahati, reaffirming his commitment to environmentally friendly public transportation.
“We started 2023 with a fleet of 100 CNG buses, now to affirm our commitment to a greener future, we flag off 200 electric buses that will serve Guwahati and its adjoining areas. Our goal is to make Guwahati the first city in the country to operate on a 100% green public transportation system by 2025,” he said addressing the inaugural ceremony at ASTC Central Workshop Campus in Rupnagar, Guwahati.
Costing around Rs 261 crore, these electric buses in Guwahati will cater to suburbs including AIIMS, Mirza, Baihata, Jagiroad, and Chandrapur.
In addition, he also announced that by 2025, all diesel-run buses in the city will be substituted with electric vehicles.
The state government also aims to develop an Electric Vehicle (EV) strategy, providing incentives for auto-rickshaw drivers, Ola-Uber drivers, and private bus operators to shift to electric cars.
Notably, Assam has now become the third state to adopt the National Common Mobility Card.
To counter the increasing carbon emissions, we are launching 200 EV buses today which will ply in Guwahati and adjoining areas. This is in addition to the 100 CNG buses launched last year. The Govt has spent ₹261cr for this initiative: HCM Dr @himantabiswa pic.twitter.com/8gFBKPLrtp
— Chief Minister Assam (@CMOfficeAssam) January 1, 2024
Features and Specifications of the New Electric Buses in Guwahati
Tata Motors provided 100 Tata Ultra electric buses and the remaining 100 buses are procured from Olectra Greentech.
The 9-meter electric buses added to the Assam State Transport Corporation’s (ASTC) fleet can accommodate 32 passengers and are meticulously crafted to offer a secure, comfortable, and convenient intra-city commute.
These are equipped with a variety of features, including:
The fleet of 200 electric buses in Guwahati is classified into high and low ranges, determined by their battery capacity.
The 100 high-range buses boast a capacity to cover at least 200 km on a full charge, while the remaining low-range buses can travel up to 160 km.
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Charging Infrastructure is Being Set Up
Five charging stations are currently in the process of establishment at key locations such as Jagiroad, Baihata Chariali, Mirza, ASTC’s Rupnagar campus, and the ISBT in the Lokhra area of the city.
The Rupnagar station, equipped with 16 charging points, has been successfully completed, marking a significant milestone.
Meanwhile, the other four stations are on the verge of completion, aiming to enhance the charging infrastructure and support the efficient operation of the new electric buses in Guwahati.
Ticket Price of the Electric Buses in Guwahati
Reflecting the State Government’s dedication to accessibility and affordability in public transportation services, there will be no changes in the ticket price of the electric buses in Guwahati.
Passengers will continue to pay the existing fares when boarding these new electric buses.
With a minimum fare of Rs. 10, the fare structure for these newly introduced buses will remain unchanged until the state revises its fare policies, as clarified by an official source.
Routes of the New Electric Buses in Guwahati
Operating on 13 designated routes within the city, the electric buses in Guwahati will serve various suburbs, encompassing AIIMS, Mirza, Baihata, Jagiroad, and Chandrapur.
Routes of the New Electric Buses in Guwahati include the following Stoppage Routes:
Click here to learn more about Guwahati’s city bus routes.
Guwahati, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, is embarking on a transformative journey towards becoming India’s first city entirely powered by green public transportation by 2025.
The introduction of 200 electric buses, coupled with plans to replace all diesel-run buses by 2025, reflects a profound commitment to environmental sustainability.
With strategic initiatives, such as the development of charging infrastructure and the adoption of electric vehicles across various transportation modes, Guwahati is not only setting a precedent but also emerging as a frontrunner in promoting eco-friendly urban mobility in the country.
