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Green buses line up in Guwahati's Khanapara. (Photo)

Guwahati, July 11: The Assam government has announced in the Assembly that there are currently 371 electric buses in operation under the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC), with a total investment of Rs 360.40 crore for their purchase and the establishment of charging infrastructure.

In response to an unstarred question posed by MLA Dr. Asif Mohammad Nazar, Transport Minister Charan Boro revealed that the state received 100 new electric buses in the fiscal year 2025-26 as part of the Central Government's PM e-Bus Sewa initiative.

The Minister highlighted that ASTC is progressively enhancing electric bus services throughout the state to ensure reliable and eco-friendly public transportation. Charging stations have been installed in various locations including Guwahati, Jagiroad, Mirza, Baihata Chariali, Nalbari, Mangaldai, Tezpur, and Biswanath Chariali.

Electric bus services have been expanded beyond Guwahati to include districts such as Kamrup, Morigaon, Nalbari, Darrang, Tamulpur, Udalguri, Sonitpur, and Biswanath. The fleet of 371 electric buses comprises 161 units from Tata Motors, 110 from Olectra Greentech, and 100 from JBM.

The Assembly was informed that these buses were acquired from Tata Motors Ltd, Olectra Greentech Ltd, and JBM Ecolife Mobility Pvt Ltd, following a tendering process initiated by the government.

According to the Minister, 15 Tata electric buses were obtained under the Centre’s FAME-I scheme, and an additional 200 buses were received through Guwahati Smart City Limited. Separate tenders were issued for 100 low-range and 100 high-range buses. After the initial tender attracted insufficient bids, new invitations were sent out, leading to contracts with Tata Motors and Olectra Greentech.

Furthermore, the Minister stated that the 100 buses acquired under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme for 2025-26 were allocated by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which managed the tendering independently.

He explained that the costs associated with repairs, charging, cleaning, and maintenance of Tata and Olectra buses are covered by the respective operating agencies and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Similarly, all operational and maintenance costs for JBM buses are handled by the company itself, meaning ASTC does not incur expenses for these 300 buses.

For the 71 buses operated by ASTC, the corporation is responsible for the operational costs. Monthly expenses include approximately Rs 23.38 lakh for cleaning, Rs 26.31 lakh for repairs and maintenance, and Rs 2.12 crore for electricity to charge the buses.

The Minister also presented details regarding the monthly operational costs for the electric bus fleet managed by ASTC to the Assembly.