Hyderabad: The eco-conscious Air-Conditioned electric buses by Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) will soon be operational for commuters in Hyderabad. In a phased approach, TSRTC is set to deploy 25 electric buses initially, out of a larger plan to introduce 1,300 electric buses in the Greater Hyderabad region.
VC Sajjanar, the Managing Director of TSRTC, inspected the prototype of an electric AC bus at Bus Bhavan and inquired about passenger amenities on Monday. The corporation has partnered with Olectra and Greentech Limited (OGL) to bring 550 electric buses to the streets. Of these, 500 buses will operate in Hyderabad, while 50 will serve the Vijayawada route.
TSRTC’s goal is to transition its entire bus fleet in Hyderabad to electric buses. In the current fiscal year, they aim to make 500 electric buses available in the city, including 50 with AC units. Olectra will supply these buses gradually under a Gross Cost Contract (GCC) basis. Additionally, plans are underway to procure an additional 800 electric buses for Hyderabad.
Key features of the AC electric buses include a length of 12 meters and advanced electric technology. Each bus accommodates 35 passengers, offering amenities such as mobile charging, seat belts, and CCTV cameras. The buses are equipped with a reverse parking assistance camera and four LED boards for displaying destination information. Safety measures include a panic button at each seat and a vehicle tracking system.
Furthermore, the buses are equipped with a Fire Detection Suppression System (FDSS) for enhanced safety. With a single charge, these buses can cover distances of up to 225 kilometers and require 2 to 3 hours for a full charge. The introduction of these modern and eco-friendly buses aims to provide efficient and sustainable transportation options for the residents of Hyderabad.