Staff reporter
Guwahati: In a decisive push towards sustainable urban transportation, the Assam Transport Department has announced that two of city’s busiest city bus routes will be converted into dedicated “green corridors,” where only electric and CNG-powered buses will be allowed to operate. The move, effective from January 1, 2026, is part of the government’s broader agenda to curb pollution and modernize the public transit infrastructure in the city.
The two corridors, Route No. 23 (Khanapara to Dharapur via Ganeshguri) and Route No. 36 (Basistha Mandir to Dharapur via Paltan Bazar), have been specifically identified for this transition due to their high passenger traffic and strategic importance. As per the new directive, privately operated diesel buses will be phased out from these routes by December 31, 2025.
While environmental groups and urban planners have lauded the initiative, terming it a progressive step towards a cleaner and quieter city, it has also stirred concerns among private bus operators. Many in the sector fear that the policy change could disrupt their livelihood and demand that the government provide financial and logistical support to make the shift feasible.
Currently, Guwahati’s public transport system consists of a mixed fleet of 352 privately-owned diesel buses, along with 256 electric and 100 CNG buses operated by the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC). However, only a portion of these buses are plying daily. Data from the Kamrup (M) District Transport Office reveals a clear trend toward the reduction of diesel vehicles — 113 private bus permits have been cancelled between January 2024 and July 2025, indicating a phasing out of outdated, high-emission vehicles.
A senior official from the Assam Transport Department emphasized the broader vision behind the initiative, “This marks a significant leap toward making Guwahati a greener and more sustainable city. These green corridors will reduce vehicular emissions in some of the city’s most congested stretches and improve the overall commuting experience with quieter, more efficient, and eco-friendly buses.”
However, the road to sustainability may not be entirely smooth. Private bus operators’ associations have voiced strong objections, arguing that the government has not provided a clear roadmap or adequate financial aid to support the transition. They are demanding subsidies for electric vehicles, low-interest loans, and a longer phasing-out period to minimize the financial burden on small and mid-sized operators.
Stakeholders have also raised concerns about the availability of charging and maintenance infrastructure for electric buses, as well as the cost of retrofitting or replacing existing fleets. Without proper support mechanisms, they warn, the transition could disproportionately affect small-scale operators who form the backbone of the city’s public transport network.
Despite the pushback, the Assam government remains firm in its commitment. Officials have indicated that further consultations and stakeholder meetings are planned over the coming months to address concerns and create a more inclusive implementation strategy.
The introduction of green corridors in Guwahati is being viewed as a pilot initiative. If successful, it may pave the way for the rollout of similar eco-zones in other parts of the city and even in other urban centres across Assam and the Northeast.
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