The Telangana government is taking multiple steps... ... Transparency Ensured in Implementing HILT Policy: Sridhar Babu

The Telangana government is taking multiple steps to strengthen electric vehicle (EV) adoption in the state by improving battery capacity, expanding charging infrastructure and offering incentives, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said on Tuesday.

The minister said companies are being encouraged to enhance the battery capacity of EVs and increase the number of charging stations across the state. As part of the state’s EV policy, meetings have been held with manufacturers and dealers to accelerate the transition to electric mobility.

Ponnam noted that the implementation of EV incentives has resulted in a revenue loss of around ₹900 crore in taxes, but stressed that the government is committed to promoting clean and sustainable transport. He said companies have been requested to offer up to 20 per cent discounts to employees purchasing EVs, while a policy is also being put in place to encourage multinational companies to procure electric vehicles.

Highlighting public transport initiatives, the minister said 575 RTC buses are currently operating under the PM e-Drive scheme. He added that more than 200 new electric buses will be inducted soon, with 100 buses earmarked for Warangal and 50 for Nizamabad.

The minister also said vehicles older than 15 years must be scrapped, and the state has issued a government order under the scrappage policy to provide incentives for vehicle owners. He said these measures are aimed at reducing pollution and promoting sustainable mobility across Telangana.