Hyderabad: The Congress govt has come out with ‘Telangana Auto Rickshaw Electric Conversion Scheme-2026’ to convert petrol and diesel-powered auto rickshaws in the CURE area into electric vehicles.Sharing the details with the media, BC welfare and transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Sunday said under the scheme, eligible internal combustion engine auto rickshaws in the CURE region would be converted into electric vehicles in phases or replaced with new electric autos.The cabinet recently approved the scheme in line with the Telangana Rising Vision–2047. The initiative aims to make Hyderabad a cleaner, sustainable and environment-friendly public transport city while also reducing the fuel expenses of auto-rickshaw drivers.The transport minister said 18,766 eligible ICE auto-rickshaws with valid registrations were currently active in the CURE region. These include 11,254 diesel autos and 7,512 petrol autos.“Eligible beneficiaries will have two options under the scheme, based on their requirements. Option A is electric retrofit. Owners who wish to retain the chassis of their existing auto-rickshaw can convert it into an electric vehicle using an AIS-123-approved electric kit. Govt will provide financial assistance of up to Rs. 1.50 lakh for each auto or the actual cost, whichever is lower. The assistance will cover the cost of the kit, installation and standard fitment equipment,” Ponnam Prabhakar said.Beneficiaries could choose between a fixed battery kit and a removable, swappable battery kit installed through empanelled vendors. The option B is purchase of a new electric auto.Beneficiaries who wish to surrender their existing petrol or diesel auto and buy a new electric vehicle would also be eligible for assistance. “A fixed subsidy of Rs 1.50 lakh will be provided for the purchase of a factory-manufactured, type-approved electric passenger three-wheeler (L5M),” the minister said.Under the proposed implementation mechanism, the empanelled dealer would deduct the subsidy amount upfront from the final on-road price of the selected model and provide the vehicle to the beneficiary. Govt has proposed a budget allocation of Rs 200 crore for implementing the scheme.As the scheme would will apply equally to all eligible vehicle owners in the CURE region irrespective of their social category, govt has proposed pooling funds from different welfare departments. The SC, ST, BC and minority welfare departments are proposed to contribute Rs 50 crore each, taking the total proposed allocation to Rs 200 crore.To ensure transparent and effective implementation, the state has proposed a three-tier institutional mechanism. The state-level steering committee (SLSC) would function under the chairmanship of the principal secretary, roads and buildings and transport. Secretaries of the SC, ST, BC and minority welfare departments would be members, while the transport commissioner would serve as the convener.“Aligned with Telangana Rising Vision–2047, we are designing this scheme by combining environmental protection, sustainable urban development and the economic interests of auto drivers. Govt’s objective is to take Hyderabad towards cleaner air and sustainable public transport,” he added.
