Minister for Transport Ponnam Prabhakar announced on Tuesday that significant initiatives are underway to promote electric vehicles (EVs) in Telangana. During a session in the Assembly, in response to questions from various members regarding the EV policy and related issues concerning the Road Transport Corporation, the Minister noted that efforts are being made to enhance the availability of charging stations by establishing them in government offices, community halls, and educational institutions throughout the state.

He emphasized that the introduction of the EV policy via GO 41 aims to secure a sustainable future for upcoming generations, and thus far this year, over one lakh electric vehicles have been sold. Despite the state government incurring approximately Rs. 900 crore in losses to facilitate incentives for the EV policy, Ponnam Prabhakar affirmed that the policy remains in effect and that initiatives are being pursued to establish charging stations through REDCO companies. He went on to explain the implementation of a scrapping policy for vehicles older than 15 years, a system that was previously absent. 

The Minister reported that the green tax has been raised by Rs 30,000, mandating that older vehicles be disposed of through scrapping. Incentives are being offered to those who participate in this scrapping initiative. In addition, the RTC is undertaking the retrofitting of diesel buses to convert them into electric buses, the Minister said. Furthermore, Ponnam Prabhakar stated that charging stations are being established in gated communities, private institutions, and through REDCO. Efforts are also underway to set up charging facilities in all collectorates, restaurants, and popular tourism destinations in the state.