Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday announced that diesel-powered city buses will be entirely phased out of Guwahati by 2026 as part of the state government’s efforts to combat air pollution.
The state government also took a significant step towards a greener future by flagging off 56 new electric AC buses.
He also inaugurated a newly constructed mini Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Khanapara.
Speaking at the event, he said that in a significant step towards a greener and sustainable Assam, the state government has decided a phase-wise replacement of diesel buses in Guwahati’s public transport system with electric alternatives.
CM Sarma said, “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.”
He said the diesel buses will be phased out to help Guwahati to become a green corridor.
The chief minister also highlighted Assam’s leading role in digitizing the transport sector.
“Assam has secured the number one position in the country in terms of complete digitization of the transport system,” he said.
This initiative has helped in reducing the involvement of middlemen and 90 percent of the ‘middlemen nexus’ has been eliminated from Assam State Transport Corporation, he added.
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To further streamline operations, the state government plans to establish six vehicle fitness centers and set up motor driving institutes in every assembly constituency.
These institutes will be empowered to issue driving licenses, enhancing accessibility and efficiency for citizens.
