Andhra Pradesh: In A First, ‘Zero Emission’ Electric Buses To Ply Between Tirupati And Tirumala

50 buses will be plying in the ghat section of Tirupati and Tirumala while the remaining 50 will ply to Nellore, Kadapa and Madanapalle as intercity buses from Alipiri

Olectra Greentech Limited (Olectra) has delivered 10 state-of-the-art electric buses, all manufactured in India, to the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) and Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy flagged them off from Alipiri Depot in Tirupati Tuesday ahead of the beginning of 'Brahmotsavam'. The buses will ply between Tirupati and Tirumala.

Of the 100 e-buses, as per the contract with the Andhra Pradesh government, 50 buses will be plying in the ghat section of Tirupati and Tirumala while the remaining 50 will ply to Nellore, Kadapa and Madanapalle as intercity buses from Alipiri. The 100 buses will be deployed at Alipiri bus depot in Tirupati. According to the contract, Olectra Greentech will undertake the maintenance of the buses.

The buses offer a range of 180 kilometres on a single charge while accommodating 35 passengers based on traffic and passenger load conditions. The high-power AC and DC charging system enables the battery to recharge in 3-4 hours fully. The buses are equipped with CCTV cameras to ensure the safety of commuters, an emergency button and USB sockets for each seat.

"We are blessed and happy to serve the devotees travelling to visit Lord Sri Venkateshwara on the occasion of Brahmostavas. Our state-of-the-art Electric buses on Tirumala-Tirupati Ghat road will give the most comfortable journey and protect the rich ecology of the Sheshachala forest and the Tirumala hills.

"Olectra is privileged to operate the buses to serve Lord Venkateshwara pilgrims. Olectra Greentech is committed to its efforts to reduce pollution levels through its efficient Electric Public Transport System. We are sure that our 100 buses will be successful in the state in this region. They are successfully running in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Surat, Dehradun, Silvassa, Goa, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala," said KV Pradeep, Chairman and Managing Director, Olectra Greentech Limited. 

Olectra has delivered over 850 buses to various states. These buses have completed over 7 crore kilometres on Indian roads and reduced carbon-dioxide emissions by around 46,000 tonnes till now, the company claimed.