Simhachalam Temple Embraces Eco-Friendly Travel With Electric Buses

Visakhapatnam: The renowned Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Simhachalam is now offering devotees a greener ride to the hilltop shrine. On Saturday, temple chairman Ashok Gajapathi Raju and EO Srinivasamurthy proudly launched two electric buses for pilgrim use.

These eco-friendly buses prioritise both affordability and sustainability. Each costing a reasonable Rs 1.65 crore, they can travel a significant distance – up to 225 kilometers – on a single, two-and-a-half-hour charge.

"These electric vehicles are not just good for the environment; they also provide a comfortable journey for devotees," stated chairman Raju. He emphasised the dual purpose behind the initiative: nature conservation and pilgrim convenience. The temple has no plans to raise bus ticket prices, ensuring a comfortable and affordable electric commute for all at the existing fare of Rs 15.

"This is just the first step," shared chairman Raju, expressing the temple's commitment to a sustainable future. "We'll be closely monitoring the performance of these buses and exploring the possibility of expanding our fleet with more electric vehicles in the coming days."