Assam Aims for Green Public Transport; Diesel Buses to Exit Guwahati by 2026

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday announced a major decision of making the city of Guwahati free from diesel-run city buses by 2026. In a phased manner, the buses will be replaced with electric alternatives to reduce air pollution.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Sarma flagged off 56 new electric AC buses towards a sustainable transport future. CM Sarma also inaugurated a newly constructed mini ISBT at Khanapara.

Talking about the commitment of the state towards a greener future, CM Sarma said, "By 2026, all diesel buses in Guwahati will be replaced with over 356 electric buses." Additionally, under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme, 100 more electric buses will be added to the city’s fleet.” The Chief Minister emphasized that the phasing out of diesel buses would transform Guwahati into a green corridor. 

In his address, Sarma also underlined Assam’s leading position in transport digitization. “Assam is ranked number one in the country for achieving complete digitization of the transport system,” he noted, adding that this has significantly reduced the involvement of middlemen. The Chief Minister reported that 90 percent of the ‘middlemen nexus’ has been eliminated from the Assam State Transport Corporation. 

To increase transport efficiency, the state government will open six vehicle fitness centers and set up motor driving institutes in every assembly constituency. The institutes will be empowered to issue driving licenses so that people can easily get their driving licenses.

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