Amaravati, April 8: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to explore various models to reduce the operational costs of electric buses. Currently, the operational cost stands at approximately ₹72 per kilometer.
During a review meeting focused on roads and highways, he urged officials to seek models that could further lower these costs. Key areas of focus include expanding charging infrastructure and standardizing battery systems.
Naidu also suggested a gradual transition of all bus categories to air-conditioned electric buses. Additionally, he emphasized the promotion of e-cycles as an alternative for public transport through increased public awareness.
Highlighting the need for affordable public transport, he stated that efficient and growing use of electric buses is crucial to achieving this goal. The Chief Minister noted that using clean fuel reduces operational costs and benefits the public. He mentioned that through efficient solar energy management, the state has managed to decrease electricity purchase costs by about ₹1 per unit.
He called for greater attention to fuel cost optimization to provide better services at lower costs. Naidu instructed officials to expedite the construction of national and state highways to boost economic activities across the state. He stressed that highway development should effectively connect ports within the state and link Andhra Pradesh to other parts of the country.
He insisted on the need for robust and continuous road maintenance, noting that out of a total of 45,433 kilometers of roads in the state, approximately 10,238 kilometers require annual upkeep. He emphasized the immediate repair of potholes to prevent public inconvenience.
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