Hyderabad: Telangana has launched a scheme to convert 18,766 petrol and diesel autorickshaws in the Core Urban Region Economy (CURE) area to electric vehicles, offering eligible drivers financial assistance of up to Rs 1.5 lakh.The state govt issued orders on Thursday night introducing the Telangana Autorickshaw Electric Conversion Scheme-2026, under which drivers can either retrofit their existing petrol or diesel autorickshaws with an electric kit or replace them with new electric vehicles.The scheme covers 11,254 diesel and 7,512 petrol autorickshaws operating in the CURE region. It is being implemented under the Rajiv Yuva Vikas programme, with the SC, ST, BC and minority welfare departments earmarking Rs 200 crore for the initiative.Under component-A, drivers who opt to convert their existing autorickshaws through retrofitting will be eligible for financial assistance of up to Rs 1.5 lakh. Under component-B, those replacing their old vehicles with new electric autorickshaws will receive Rs 1.5 lakh subsidy.The govt said the initiative is aimed at promoting cleaner urban transport, reducing emissions and supporting the state’s net-zero ambitions under the Telangana Rising Vision-2047.A three-tier monitoring mechanism has been put in place to oversee implementation. A steering committee headed by the special chief secretary of the roads and buildings and transport departments will coordinate the scheme at the state level.An implementation committee headed by the transport commissioner will oversee the rollout, while district-level committees headed by collectors will identify eligible beneficiaries, scrutinise applications and expedite sanction of financial assistance.The scheme is part of Telangana’s broader push to expand electric mobility and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. With autorickshaws forming a major part of last-mile connectivity in urban areas, the government hopes the initiative will accelerate their transition to cleaner fuel.
