APSRTC Plans Major Electric Bus Expansion Across Andhra Pradesh, 1,050 Buses Targeted by December

Amaravati, August 31, 2026: The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) is preparing for a major expansion of its electric bus fleet, with plans to introduce as many as 1,050 electric buses across the state by December. The move is aimed at addressing rising passenger demand while also accelerating the shift towards cleaner public transportation.

According to the plan, APSRTC intends to expand electric bus services beyond the major cities where such buses are already operating. The corporation is working towards ensuring that electric buses become available across its network of depots, bringing the new-generation services to a much wider section of passengers.

The rollout is expected to happen in phases. APSRTC has set an initial target of putting around 350 electric buses into service by the end of October. The fleet would then be expanded further during the following weeks, with the overall target of 1,050 electric buses by December.

Passenger demand drives fleet expansion

One of the key reasons behind the accelerated electric bus programme is the increase in passenger traffic on APSRTC services.

The implementation of the Stree Shakti scheme, which provides free bus travel for women, has contributed to a significant rise in the number of passengers using public transport. With demand increasing, the existing fleet is facing greater pressure, creating a need for additional buses and services.

APSRTC Chairman Konakandla Narayana Rao has said that the increase in passenger numbers has created a requirement for more buses. The corporation believes that adding electric buses can help address part of this capacity challenge while simultaneously supporting the transition towards environmentally friendly transportation.

The Stree Shakti scheme has reportedly placed a financial burden of more than ₹3,000 crore on the government, but authorities have continued with the initiative. The resulting increase in public transport usage has also made fleet expansion a more pressing requirement.

Charging infrastructure being developed

The introduction of hundreds of electric buses requires more than simply adding vehicles to the fleet. APSRTC is also working on the supporting infrastructure needed to operate them.

Charging facilities are being established at depots and bus stations across the state. Work on these facilities is already progressing, with the corporation preparing its network to accommodate the growing number of electric buses.

The availability of charging infrastructure will be particularly important as APSRTC moves from a limited electric-bus presence to a much larger statewide network. The plan is to have electric buses operating from every depot by December, meaning passengers in different parts of Andhra Pradesh could increasingly encounter electric buses as part of regular public transport services.

750 buses allocated under central scheme

The electric-bus expansion is also receiving support from the central government. Under the E-Bus Sewa scheme, Andhra Pradesh has been allocated 750 electric buses.

Of these, 300 buses were already made available during July, according to the APSRTC chairman. These buses have been introduced in several important locations, including Guntur, Vijayawada, Amaravati, Tirupati, Visakhapatnam, Kurnool, Kadapa, Anantapur, Kakinada and Rajahmundry.

The expansion of services to these cities represents an early stage of the broader transition planned by APSRTC.

Bigger target of 5,500 electric buses

The 1,050-bus target for December is not being viewed as the final stage of the programme. APSRTC is preparing for a much larger transition, with a long-term objective of bringing approximately 5,500 electric buses into its fleet in phases.

Such an expansion would significantly increase the presence of electric public transport across Andhra Pradesh. Rather than restricting the new buses to a handful of major urban centres, the corporation intends to gradually distribute them across its wider depot network.

The move also reflects the state government's emphasis on reducing dependence on diesel-powered buses and encouraging cleaner transportation options.

What the expansion could mean for passengers

For passengers, the immediate objective is to increase the availability of buses at a time when public transport demand is growing. The addition of electric vehicles could provide APSRTC with more capacity while supporting its broader environmental goals.

The phased approach is expected to allow the corporation to expand services alongside the development of charging infrastructure. If the current targets are achieved, October could mark another important step in the rollout, with 350 electric buses expected to be operating by the end of that month.

By December, APSRTC aims to have 1,050 electric buses in service and electric buses available across its depots. The longer-term 5,500-bus target could eventually transform the character of public transportation in Andhra Pradesh, making electric mobility a much more visible part of everyday bus travel.