Telangana aims to become a model state for electric vehicle adoption: Minister Ponnam

Telangana is taking bold steps to promote electric vehicles (EVs) and position itself as a role model for the rest of India, said Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Tuesday. Speaking during a legislative assembly session, he emphasized that the government’s focus is on controlling pollution and providing an environmentally friendly transport system for future generations.

The state government is considering a policy that would require 25-50% of vehicles purchased by government departments to be electric. Minister Ponnam said the aim is to normalize EV usage among the public, making Telangana a national example in sustainable transport.

To incentivize EV purchases, the government is offering a 100% waiver on road tax and registration fees. Despite an estimated revenue loss of ₹900 crore, the government is prioritizing environmental protection. Additionally, companies are encouraged to provide up to 20% subsidies for EVs purchased by government employees. Last year alone, around 100,000 electric vehicles were sold in the state.

Efforts are underway to encourage schools, IT, and pharmaceutical companies to adopt EVs. Currently, Telangana operates 575 electric buses under the Prime Minister’s E-Drive scheme, with another 2,800 buses set to be deployed soon. The government is also implementing a vehicle scrapping policy for old vehicles and expanding EV charging infrastructure in gated communities, tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and district collectorates.

Minister Ponnam highlighted the state’s commitment to maintaining vehicle safety and reducing pollution. Telangana has over 1.8 crore vehicles and 550 pollution testing centers. To improve efficiency and accuracy, 37 automatic vehicle testing centers will be set up across the state, eliminating human intervention in fitness assessments.

Vehicles over 15 years old, including government and RTC vehicles, will be phased out under the scrapping policy. While private vehicles currently enjoy some exemptions under the Green Tax, final decisions on this will rest with the central government. Steps are also being taken to improve driving license procedures, with automatic testing centers modeled after Delhi’s system. Speed limit enforcement is being strengthened through increased camera coverage, and check posts are being phased out in favor of digital monitoring.

The minister also addressed fire hazards in the state, citing 8,861 incidents last year that caused ₹879 crore in property damage and claimed 163 lives. New fire stations have been established in areas like Charla, Devarkadra, Kalluru, and Bibinagar, and existing stations in Hyderabad have been upgraded.

Fire safety awareness programs have reached over 13,600 institutions, including gated communities, hospitals, industries, and schools. Minister Ponnam urged residents to remain vigilant about fire risks, particularly those related to exposed electrical cables, and assured that government measures are in place for timely recruitment of fire safety personnel.

Minister Ponnam concluded by encouraging MLAs to set an example by using electric vehicles in their constituencies, reinforcing the state’s commitment to sustainable and pollution-free transport.