State govt to go for phased replacement of diesel buses with electric buses in Guwahati by 2026

CM Dr. Sarma flags off 56 new electric buses, Dedicates Mini ISBT at Khanapara

In a move to promote eco friendly transport, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma today flagged off 56 new AC electric buses for Guwahati. He also dedicated the newly constructed Mini Inter-State Bus Terminal at Khanapara.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma announced that in a significant step towards a greener and sustainable Assam, State government will go for phased replacement of diesel buses in Guwahati’s public transport system with electric alternatives.  He also said that by 2026, the diesel buses in Guwahati will entirely be phased out and add over 356 electric buses. Under PM e-Bus Sewa, 100 more buses will be added by 2026. He said that the diesel buses will be phased out helping Guwahati to become a green corridor.

Chief Minister Dr. Sarma said that Assam is now one of the top performing states in digitizing the transport system. He said that Assam has secured the number one position in the country in terms of complete digitization of the transport system. With digitization, the work is being carried out on a random basis, ensuring the distribution of tasks and resolving issues. This has helped in reducing the involvement of middlemen. He also said that 90 per cent of ‘middle men nexus’ has been eliminated from Assam Transport Corporation.

Announcing bold measures of transformation, the Chief Minister said that to streamline fitness certificate issuance, six vehicle fitness centres will be set up. State government is also planning Motor Driving Institutes in every LAC with Principals empowered to issue driving licenses.

In the beginning, the inauguration programme observed two minutes silence in the honour of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Panchayat and Rural Development Ministr Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Transport Minister Jogen Mohan, Industries and Commerce Minister Bimal Bora, Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, Water Resources Etc Minister Pijush Hazarika, Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Nandita Gorlosa, MP Bijulee Kalita, Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota and host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.