Photo Courtesy: nenews
Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma launched the state's first electric bus fleet on Tuesday, deploying five vehicles under the PM eBus Sewa Scheme in Shillong. The zero-emission, air-conditioned buses are designed to carry 25 passengers and feature modern amenities such as e-ticketing systems, wheelchair spaces, and foldable ramps. Each vehicle provides a range of up to 200 kilometres on a single charge.
This initiative represents a significant push toward sustainable urban mobility and seeks to ease chronic traffic congestion in the state capital. Sangma noted that the government intends to provide a more reliable and predictable transit experience for residents. "The larger goal is to encourage people to shift from private vehicles to public transportation," he said during the launch event at the Taraghar State Guest House.
Urban Affairs Commissioner and Secretary Dr. Vijay Kumar D confirmed that Shillong is slated to receive a total of 50 electric buses. These vehicles will operate under a Gross Cost Contract model, which prioritizes service standards over fare collection. The system includes GPS tracking and fixed schedules to improve efficiency.
The government plans to expand the total fleet to nearly 150 diesel and electric buses within six months, with a projected capacity to serve 60,000 commuters daily. Beyond bus deployment, the state is advancing plans for new parking infrastructure and a new administrative city at Mawdiangdiang. To support the transition, the government is also renewing a policy that exempts electric vehicles from registration fees and road taxes.
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