TGSRTC plans to introduce 2,800 electric buses in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: The capital region’s public transport system is poised for a major green transformation, with the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) planning to induct around 2,800 electric buses in a phased manner to replace diesel buses operating within the Outer Ring Road (ORR) limits.

The transition is expected to significantly reduce the corporation”s fuel expenditure while improving urban air quality.

According to TGSRTC’s August 2026 fleet statistics, 1,037 electric buses were already operating across its network in the State. Around 500 electric buses were reported operating in Hyderabad by May 2026.

The expansion plan includes 2,200 additional electric buses under the Centre”s PM E-DRIVE scheme, alongside the conversion of existing diesel buses through retrofitting.

The financial benefits could be substantial. Based on an estimated daily operation of 200 km per bus, a fleet of 2,800 diesel buses would cover nearly 5.6 lakh km daily.

For instance, an average mileage of 2.7 to 3.4 km per litre and diesel costing around Rs 104 per litre, replacing these buses could eliminate annual diesel expenditure of approximately Rs 624 to Rs 786 crore.

However, after accounting for electricity costs, the indicative operating cost advantage could be around Rs 245 crore annually, based on previously reported running costs of Rs 20 per km for diesel buses against Rs 8 per km for electric buses.

These figures are projections and actual savings will depend on operating conditions, electricity tariffs and contractual arrangements.

Based on the estimated diesel consumption, electrification could prevent around 1.6 to 2 lakh tonnes of direct tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions annually. Electric buses would also eliminate tailpipe emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, reducing pollution along busy roads and residential areas.

TGSRTC is simultaneously pursuing a retrofitting programme involving 240 existing buses at the Uppal workshop. Sai Green Mobility will convert 200 buses, while Kalyani Powertrain Limited will handle the remaining 40.

The transition requires substantial supporting infrastructure. The corporation has estimated an investment of around Rs 392 crore towards charging facilities, depot upgrades and high-tension electricity connections.

While electricity expenses, battery replacement and charging infrastructure will remain important cost components, the shift is expected to reduce dependence on diesel and improve operational efficiency.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has set December 9, as the target for making city bus operations entirely electric. However, it is still not clear if the RTC will be able to reach the goal by then and make the city’s public transport completely green.

The success of the initiative will depend on timely deployment, reliable charging facilities and sustainable financing.