TTD launches eco-friendly buses for Tirumala, MEIL delivers 10 e-buses as offering'

TIRUPATI: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has introduced 10 electric buses as a replacement for the present diesel-powered Srivari Dharma Rathas that transport pilgrims to their destinations within Tirumala for free.
The change is part of a plan to achieve a net-zero emission target and transform Tirumala into a green town.

TTD chairman Y.V. Subba Reddy and its executive officer A.V. Dharma Reddy, launched the 10 eco-friendly buses near the temple in Tirumala on Monday. The chairman thanked M/s Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL), Hyderabad, that donated the 10 electric buses to TTD. Each e-bus costs '1.80 crore.

The new buses would be used for free internal transportation of pilgrims in Tirumala.

“A few years ago, the TTD board made the decision to gradually replace diesel cars with electric vehicles. 35 e-cars (TATA Nexon) were launched in Tirumala in the first phase for official use by TTD officials. They were purchased from the M/s CESL, a joint venture of PSUs under the Union ministry of power, on a dry lease basis,” he said.

In response to a request from TTD, the APSRTC is operating another 64 e-buses on the Tirumala and Tirupati ghat roads. “By April 15, we will have charging stations at the TTD workshop in Tirumala. M/s Olectra will train the TTD drivers to operate the e-buses. We are also aiming to replace the current taxis with e-vehicles to make Tirumala more eco-friendly and pollution-free," the TTD chairman asserted.

The MEIL said in a statement that the present delivery marked the completion of its commitment made on October 21, 2022, to offer TTD 10 e-buses as a gesture of thanks to Lord Venkateshwara for His blessings. Olectra Greentech chairman K.V. Pradeep was present in Tirumala to hand over the 10 e-buses.

Chairman Pradeep said, “Olectra is delighted to have assisted MEIL in making this modest offering to the Lord. The 10 e-buses will transport devotees around Tirumala. Chargers have been installed to ensure a smooth ride.”

Olectra Greentech Ltd manufactured these nine-metre-long, purely electric buses under the central government’s Make in India and Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiatives, enabling MEIL to deliver them to the shrine on time. The fleet of 10 e-buses will help decarbonise the pilgrim centre, enabling it to fight air pollution, reduce noise and tackle climate change, making it emission-free.