Telangana Launches 2035 Smart Green Transport Roadmap
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Telangana’s Vision for a Smart, Green Transport Future: An Overview
On 24 March 2024, the Telangana government unveiled a bold, multi‑phased “Smart Green Transport Roadmap” that aims to transform the state’s mobility landscape by 2035. The plan, released during a press conference in Hyderabad, lays out a comprehensive strategy to shift the transport sector toward low‑carbon, data‑driven, and citizen‑centric solutions. Drawing on the state’s prior experience with smart‑city initiatives, the roadmap is designed to create an integrated ecosystem that encourages electric mobility, digital traffic management, and inclusive public transport.
1. Core Pillars of the Roadmap
The document identifies four interlinked pillars that will guide the transition:
Electric Vehicle (EV) Adoption and Infrastructure
Telangana is committed to electrifying its public‑transport fleet and encouraging private EV purchases. The plan sets a target of deploying 100,000 electric buses across the state by 2030, with a phased rollout of charging hubs—ranging from 400‑kW fast chargers at major junctions to 150‑kW mid‑range chargers in suburban areas. To support this, the state will partner with local EV manufacturers and technology firms to establish an integrated charging network linked to the state’s smart grid.Smart Mobility and Data‑Driven Urban Planning
The roadmap proposes a state‑wide traffic management system that harnesses real‑time data from sensors, GPS devices, and CCTV cameras. This system will support dynamic routing, congestion mitigation, and predictive maintenance of road infrastructure. Additionally, the plan emphasizes the integration of multimodal mobility apps that provide real‑time information on bus, metro, and shared‑mobility options, thereby improving the last‑mile experience for commuters.Sustainable Public Transport
Beyond electrification, the strategy aims to modernize the existing public‑transport network. This includes retrofitting older buses with eco‑friendly technology, expanding the Hyderabad Metro network to underserved districts, and introducing feeder bus services powered by renewable energy. The roadmap also outlines an overhaul of fare structures, moving toward a unified electronic payment system that can be seamlessly integrated across all modes.Community Engagement and Skill Development
Recognizing that infrastructure alone is insufficient, the plan underscores the importance of stakeholder participation. It proposes community‑based initiatives such as local EV charging stations in residential areas and workshops to raise awareness about the environmental benefits of electric mobility. Moreover, the government will collaborate with universities and vocational institutes to establish training programs that equip workers with skills needed in the EV and smart‑mobility sectors.
2. Financial Blueprint and Incentives
A key feature of the roadmap is a dedicated green‑mobility fund of ₹5,000 crores, earmarked for infrastructure development, subsidy schemes, and technology procurement. The state will also leverage central government funds, including the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ Smart City budget and the Ministry of Environment’s Green Transport Incentive Scheme.
Incentive packages are detailed for both individuals and businesses:
- Vehicle‑purchase subsidies ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh for electric cars and two‑wheelers, depending on the model and range.
- Tax rebates for EV charging infrastructure owners.
- Preferential parking and toll waivers for EVs at major junctions and expressways.
Additionally, the plan calls for a public‑private partnership (PPP) framework to accelerate the deployment of charging stations and the expansion of the metro network, with clear guidelines on revenue sharing and risk allocation.
3. Implementation Timeline
The roadmap delineates a seven‑year implementation window (2024‑2030) with milestone checkpoints:
| Phase | Year | Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 2024–2025 | Launch of pilot EV charging hubs in Hyderabad and Secunderabad; rollout of smart traffic sensors in key corridors. |
| Phase 2 | 2026–2027 | Deployment of 10,000 electric buses; full integration of the unified payment app; initiation of feeder bus electrification. |
| Phase 3 | 2028 | Expansion of metro corridors to two new districts; completion of the state‑wide charging network. |
| Phase 4 | 2029 | Achieve 50% of public transport electrification; launch autonomous vehicle pilot in designated zones. |
| Phase 5 | 2030 | Reach 80% electrification of public buses; commence mass EV adoption incentive program. |
| Phase 6 | 2031‑2035 | Scale up autonomous shuttles; integrate smart‑mobility data with regional planning; continuous upgrade of charging infrastructure. |
| Phase 7 | 2035 | Achieve the target of zero‑emission public transport; evaluate system performance and refine policies. |
Each phase is accompanied by performance metrics—such as reduction in CO₂ emissions, increase in EV market share, and improvements in average commute times—to ensure accountability.
4. Collaborative Ecosystem
The roadmap positions public‑private partnerships at its core. Telangana plans to collaborate with EV manufacturers (e.g., Tata Motors, Mahindra Electric, and emerging startups like Ather Energy), battery technology firms, and renewable‑energy companies. The state will also engage with technology giants for the deployment of AI‑driven traffic solutions and data analytics platforms.
Regional cooperation is another focus. Telangana is slated to partner with neighboring states such as Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka on inter‑state EV corridors and shared charging infrastructure, ensuring seamless cross‑border connectivity.
5. Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
While the roadmap is comprehensive, the article notes several key challenges:
- Capital Intensity: The upfront costs of charging infrastructure and fleet electrification are high. The state’s green‑mobility fund and PPP models are designed to mitigate this, but sustained funding will remain critical.
- Grid Capacity: A surge in EV charging demand will strain the existing grid. The roadmap proposes smart charging protocols—time‑of‑day pricing and demand‑response mechanisms—to balance load.
- Public Perception: Adoption rates hinge on consumer confidence in EV performance and cost‑effectiveness. Awareness campaigns and test‑drive events are planned to address skepticism.
- Skill Gaps: The emerging EV and smart‑mobility workforce will require specialized training. The state’s collaboration with vocational institutes aims to bridge this gap.
6. Broader Impact and Future Outlook
By aligning its transport strategy with global sustainability goals, Telangana is positioning itself as a leader in India’s green‑mobility transition. The roadmap is expected to:
- Reduce carbon emissions by up to 30% in the transport sector by 2035.
- Boost local industry by creating over 50,000 jobs in EV manufacturing, charging infrastructure, and data analytics.
- Improve urban livability through reduced traffic congestion, cleaner air, and a more efficient public‑transport network.
- Strengthen regional connectivity by establishing a seamless EV corridor network across the Deccan region.
The state’s approach reflects a holistic vision—combining technology, policy, and community engagement—to redefine mobility in Telangana. As implementation progresses, the government will likely publish quarterly progress reports and adjust policies based on real‑world feedback.
7. Conclusion
Telangana’s “Smart Green Transport Roadmap” is an ambitious blueprint that marries electric mobility, digital traffic management, and community‑centric solutions to create a resilient, low‑carbon transport ecosystem. By investing in infrastructure, incentivizing adoption, and fostering partnerships, the state aims to not only meet its sustainability targets but also set a benchmark for other Indian states. The success of this roadmap will hinge on sustained funding, technological integration, and active public participation—factors that Telangana’s leadership is already addressing through a well‑structured, phased implementation plan.
Read the Full The Hans India Article at:
[ https://www.thehansindia.com/news/cities/hyderabad/telangana-charts-roadmap-for-a-smart-green-transport-future-1029642 ]