guwahati-to-replace-diesel-buses-with-electric-fleet-by-2026

In a decisive move to address rising air pollution, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Wednesday that diesel-powered city buses in Guwahati will be entirely phased out by 2026.

 

The initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to establish a greener and more sustainable urban environment.

At a ceremony held in Guwahati, Chief Minister Sarma flagged off 56 new electric air-conditioned buses and inaugurated the newly constructed mini Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Khanapara.

Addressing the gathering, he stated, “By 2026, all diesel buses in Guwahati will be replaced with over 356 electric buses. Under the PM e-Bus Sewa, an additional 100 electric buses will be added to the fleet.”

To realise our vision of a public transport fleet entirely run by renewable energy, I flagged off 56 new Electric Buses adding to our existing fleet of 200 such buses in Guwahati & taking the total number to 256.

These buses ensure public convenience & environmental protection. pic.twitter.com/RLLRznAHPG

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 1, 2025

He further noted that this transition is integral to transforming Guwahati into a “green corridor” and enhancing the city’s public transport infrastructure.

Highlighting Assam’s advancements in the transport sector, Sarma said, “Assam has secured the number one position in the country in terms of complete digitisation of the transport system. This has significantly reduced the role of middlemen, eliminating 90 per cent of the middlemen nexus within the Assam State Transport Corporation.”

The Chief Minister also unveiled plans to strengthen vehicle regulation and driving education.

Six vehicle fitness centres will be established across the state, alongside motor driving institutes in every assembly constituency.

These institutes will have the authority to issue driving licences, ensuring greater accessibility and efficiency for the public.

The phase-wise replacement of diesel buses aligns with the state’s larger commitment to combating climate change and improving urban mobility.

The addition of electric buses underlines the government’s efforts to modernise public transport while reducing carbon emissions.

The ceremony also marked a symbolic step towards achieving the state’s vision of sustainable development.

“This initiative demonstrates Assam’s commitment to adopting environment-friendly practices and sets a benchmark for other states to follow,” Sarma said.

The government’s green mobility initiatives are expected to significantly reduce the city’s carbon footprint while providing commuters with a cleaner and more efficient transportation system.