Minister Ponnam Prabhakar inaugurated electric vehicles at the Kukatpally Bus Depot of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation by lighting the ceremonial lamp and flagging off the EV buses.
A total of 60 electric buses were launched at the Kukatpally depot. The event was attended by MLA Madhavaram Krishna Rao, MLC Naveen, RTC MD Nagi Reddy, and Medchal District Collector Manu Choudhary.
Key Highlights from Minister Ponnam Prabhakar’s Speech:
- As part of the Green Challenge initiative, electric vehicles are being introduced for public use.
- With the aim of reducing pollution, the government plans to expand electric buses by 2027.
- Currently, 960 electric buses are in operation, including 580 intercity buses.
- Implementing 3,000 electric buses can reduce up to 600 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
- EV buses are being introduced to ensure Hyderabad does not become another polluted Delhi.
- Rising petrol and diesel prices significantly impact public transport.
- Out of 10,000 RTC buses, 1,000 are electric buses.
- Soon, an additional 2,200 electric buses will be introduced.
- Electric buses will help reduce both traffic congestion and pollution.
RTC & Welfare Initiatives:
- RTC elections will be conducted soon.
- The government is committed to the welfare of RTC employees.
- Every second Tuesday, DM, RM, and senior officials will review workers’ issues.
- Under the Mahalakshmi Scheme, women have utilized 310 crore free tickets.
- Around 3.5 million passengers use RTC services daily in the twin cities.
- RTC is emerging as one of the best public transport systems in the country with new buses and recruitments.
Development Plans for Kukatpally:
- A new depot will be established at KPHB as per the MLA’s request.
- Plans to expand Kukatpally depot over 5 acres; officials instructed to coordinate with Housing Board authorities.
- With growing colonies in Hyderabad, public transport is being strengthened accordingly.
- EV buses will help make Kukatpally a pollution-free zone.
Additional Points:
- Currently, 545 electric buses are operating in Hyderabad.
- Under a central government scheme, 2,200 buses will soon be introduced in the state.
- After RTC union recognition elections, meetings will be held to address workers’ issues.
- The government will continue monthly grievance redressal for RTC employees.
- Free travel for women has empowered them while increasing ridership.
- Citizens are urged to give way to ambulances on roads.
