Hyderabad:The Telangana government on Thursday approved Rs 200 crore to convert 18,766 petrol and diesel autorickshaws in Hyderabad into electric vehicles, with eligible owners to receive assistance of up to Rs 1.50 lakh per vehicle. The initiative is aimed at making Hyderabad's CURE area free from carbon emissions while improving earnings of autorickshaw drivers. The funding includes Rs 50 crore each for SCs, STs, BCs and minorities.

Of the 18,766 fuel-driven autorickshaws identified for conversion, 11,254 run on diesel and 7,512 on petrol. The retrofitted vehicles will have battery-swapping facilities, allowing drivers to operate without long halts for charging. The government said autorickshaws play a major role in last-mile connectivity in the city.

Leaders of the Telangana autorickshaw and app-based Drivers' JAC welcomed the decision and urged the government to immediately implement assurances given during recent discussions with auto and cab unions.

JAC members B. Venkatesham, A. Satthireddy and M.A. Salim said they welcomed and appreciated the decision. They noted that thousands of families depended on this profession for their livelihood, and were hopeful that the government would fulfil the other assurances and demands as well.

According to the government order, the cross-departmental scheme will be implemented under the “Single scheme-Multiple funding Streams” model, with the roles of the departments concerned delineated to avoid operational overlap and ensure accountability.

The transport commissioner will list approved manufacturers and ascertain the final prices of retrofit kits, including installation charges. Rates will be finalised separately for fixed-battery and swappable-battery kits on the basis of the lowest price quoted.

The list of manufacturers and rates will be published on the department's website. The government reimbursement will be limited to Rs 1.50 lakh per vehicle and any difference in cost will have to be borne by the beneficiary.

The government said the initiative was in line with the Telangana Rising Vision 2047 and its objective of sustainable, climate-resilient and inclusive urban development, including the transition of the state's urban public transport fleet towards net-zero carbon emissions. It said the existing dependence on diesel and petrol autorickshaws contributed to air pollution and ambient noise, while rising fuel prices increased the financial burden on drivers.

Tags: