TGSRTC Retrofitted Electric Bus Project Delayed to 2027 Over Safety Approvals

The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation’s (TGSRTC) ambitious project to convert 200 diesel buses into electric vehicles has run into regulatory delays in Hyderabad, pushing the commercial rollout of the eco-friendly fleet into 2027. The initiative, which previously saw a trial run out of the Uppal depot, is currently awaiting the submission and approval of a fresh prototype.

The delay is due to revised central guidelines that mandate a new prototype undergo stringent safety and performance testing by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). TGSRTC officials expect this certification process and the subsequent approvals to take several months, delaying the deployment of the retrofitted vehicles.

Under the phased project, the corporation plans to retrofit 200 diesel buses. Once the required approvals are received, the corporation targets converting approximately 30 buses every month. Securing ARAI approval is mandatory before any of these retrofitted vehicles can be introduced into regular passenger service.

The corporation previously experimented with retrofitting a diesel bus in 2023, which operated on select routes under the Uppal depot after receiving temporary clearance. However, because revised regulatory requirements now mandate central approval for commercial deployment, the earlier 2023 model cannot be used for the current certification process, prompting the corporation to develop a completely fresh prototype.

Unlike the existing electric buses currently operating in Hyderabad under gross cost contracts—where private operators provide the vehicles and most of the operational staff—the retrofitted fleet will be owned and operated entirely by TGSRTC. The corporation’s own drivers, mechanics, and other staff will manage these services.

Meanwhile, TGSRTC authorities have maintained that there is no delay and stated that the entire process to replace the diesel bus fleet with electric vehicles remains on course.