Hyderabad – The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) announced on Wednesday that 118 JBM electric buses have been cleared for operation, raising the total count of fitness‑certified buses to 268. The move comes after a temporary pull‑back of several buses over battery‑related technical issues.

Technical inspections and international collaboration

A technical team operating from the Command and Control Centre at Bus Bhavan, together with JBM personnel and battery specialists flown in from China, conducted a thorough inspection. The joint assessment verified the integrity of battery modules, charging systems, and electric drivetrains. Out of a fleet of 500 JBM electric buses, 150 had already resumed service after receiving fitness clearance, while today’s batch adds another 118.

Upcoming clearances and operational adjustments

Inspections of the remaining buses are still underway, and officials expect the rest to obtain fitness certificates within the next two to three days. TGSRTC Managing Director Y. Nagi Reddy has instructed regional managers to supplement routes with additional services wherever JBM buses are still unavailable, ensuring commuters face minimal disruption, especially on inter‑district corridors where these buses are heavily deployed.

Socio‑economic impact of electric buses

Adopting electric vehicles in public transport reduces air pollution and cuts long‑term fuel expenses. Telangana set a target of 1,050 electric buses in 2020; the current mix of 500 JBM units and other manufacturers brings the state closer to that ambition. Experts argue that continued improvements in battery technology and expansion of local charging infrastructure could dramatically lower the sector’s carbon footprint.

Future challenges and policy direction

While the clearance of 118 buses is a positive signal, TGSRTC must still address battery lifespan, maintenance costs, and the reliability of charging networks. The state government’s electric‑vehicle policy, which offers subsidies, tax incentives, and promotes domestic manufacturing, is expected to facilitate further fleet expansion.