Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy launched a new power room at the Simhapuri e-bus depot, marking a major step toward green public transit in Visakhapatnam.

Key Takeaways

  • Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy inaugurated the power room at Simhapuri e-bus depot.
  • Under PM e-Bus Sewa, AP to receive 750 electric buses initially.
  • Visakhapatnam has been allocated 100 electric buses.
  • The government officially denied any plans to privatize APSRTC.

Andhra Pradesh Minister of Transport and Youth Services, Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy, inaugurated a state-of-the-art power room at the Simhapuri e-bus depot in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. The inauguration, held on the auspicious occasion of ‘Tholi Ekadasi,’ included a detailed inspection of the newly established substation and charging infrastructure.

During the event, Minister Reddy hailed the move as the dawn of a new era for the state's transport sector. He emphasized that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is dedicated to building a modern, eco-friendly public transit network, following the strategic directives of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the transition to electric mobility is a critical component of urban decarbonization. By establishing robust charging infrastructure, the state is addressing the primary hurdle to EV adoption in the public sector, ensuring long-term operational sustainability.

"The integration of large-scale electric bus fleets is a decisive move toward achieving net-zero urban transport goals."

Under the central PM e-Bus Sewa scheme, Andhra Pradesh is set to receive an initial fleet of 750 electric buses. Visakhapatnam alone will be equipped with 100 buses. The rollout will be phased across five key urban hubs: Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Rajahmundry, and Guntur.

Historical Background

The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has long been the backbone of regional connectivity. As environmental regulations tighten and fuel costs fluctuate, the shift from diesel-powered fleets to electric vehicles represents a necessary evolution to maintain service efficiency and environmental compliance.

Did You Know?: Electric buses produce zero tailpipe emissions, significantly improving air quality in densely populated urban centers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which cities in AP will receive electric buses?
The buses will be deployed in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Rajahmundry, and Guntur.

2. Is the state government privatizing APSRTC?
No, the Minister categorically dismissed all rumors regarding the privatization of the corporation.