Telangana to Launch New Scheme to Convert Petrol and Diesel Autos into Electric Vehicles: Ponnam Prabhakar

The Telangana government is preparing a new scheme to convert petrol and diesel-powered auto-rickshaws into electric vehicles as part of its vision to develop Hyderabad into a clean, sustainable and environment-friendly public transport city. Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said the state Cabinet has recently approved the framework for the “Telangana Auto Rickshaw Electric Conversion Scheme–2026”, in line with the Telangana Rising Vision–2047. The scheme aims to gradually move urban public transport in the Core Urban Region Economy (CURE) area towards net-zero carbon emissions by converting existing internal combustion engine (ICE) autos into electric vehicles or replacing them with new electric auto-rickshaws.

The minister said auto-rickshaws play a crucial role in last-mile connectivity, but the continued use of petrol and diesel vehicles contributes to air and noise pollution while rising fuel prices increase the financial burden on drivers. According to the Transport Department’s official database, 18,766 eligible ICE auto-rickshaws with valid registrations are currently active in the CURE region. This includes 11,254 diesel autos and 7,512 petrol autos. The government is working on a comprehensive phased conversion programme, under which every eligible beneficiary will be given an option to choose between two alternatives based on their individual requirements.