Telangana Government Moves to Mandate EVs in School and Office Transport Fleets
In a significant push towards cleaner mobility, the Telangana government has decided to make it mandatory for schools and organisations with a sizeable employee strength to ensure that electric vehicles (EVs constitute at least 25% to 50% of their transport fleets. The move is part of a broader strategy to tackle rising pollution levels, especially in Hyderabad, which has emerged as one of the most polluted metropolitan cities in the country after New Delhi.
A comprehensive policy outlining the framework, scope, and enforcement mechanism is currently being finalised, and official guidelines are expected to be released soon. The decision reflects the State’s intent to accelerate its transition to sustainable transport while setting an example for institutional adoption of electric mobility.
Key Features
Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, addressing the Telangana Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, said the government is also working towards ensuring that 50% of vehicles owned by government departments and officials are electric. He informed the House that discussions have already been held with electric vehicle manufacturers to extend special concessions to government employees who choose EVs over conventional fuel-based vehicles.
The State has already rolled out incentives to encourage EV adoption, including exemptions from motor vehicle tax and registration charges. Despite the potential revenue loss of nearly ₹900 crore, the government has continued with these incentives, underlining its commitment to long-term environmental benefits over short-term fiscal considerations.
Impact Analysis
The impact of Telangana’s EV push is already visible. According to official data shared in the Assembly, electric vehicles now account for 2% of the total vehicles in the State, a sharp rise from just 0.03% two years ago. While the percentage may still appear modest, the growth rate highlights increasing public acceptance of electric mobility driven by policy support and cost incentives.
From an environmental perspective, mandatory EV adoption in institutional fleets could significantly reduce vehicular emissions in urban areas. School buses, office transport vehicles, and government fleets operate daily on fixed routes, making them ideal candidates for electrification. The shift is expected to lower particulate pollution, reduce noise levels, and improve overall air quality.
Economically, the policy is likely to benefit EV manufacturers, charging infrastructure providers, and ancillary industries, while also encouraging technological innovation within the State.
Transport Sector Transformation
The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) is also undergoing a major transformation under the State’s electrification roadmap. The government has already hired and deployed 875 electric buses, accounting for 8.84% of the existing fleet. Additionally, 2,800 electric buses are being procured under the PM E-Drive scheme for city operations.
The long-term targets are ambitious. The Transport Minister said 35% of the TGSRTC fleet is proposed to be electric by 2030, with 80% electrification planned by 2035. To achieve this, the corporation is exploring retrofitting existing buses with electric engines, particularly for buses operating within the Outer Ring Road limits, ensuring cleaner public transport in densely populated zones.
Enforcement and Digital Integration
Alongside promoting EVs, the government has tightened enforcement against polluting vehicles. Over the past 24 months, authorities registered 22,340 cases against vehicles operating without valid fitness certificates and 27,976 cases against vehicles lacking pollution under control (PUC) certificates. These enforcement drives resulted in collections of ₹4.28 crore and ₹2.39 crore, respectively.
On the administrative front, the Transport Department has already migrated to the SARATHI App, with the transition to the VAHAN platform of the Central Government expected to be completed within six months. Pollution testing centres across the State are also being integrated with a central remote server, enabling real-time monitoring and improved compliance.
Future Outlook
Once the new EV policy is formally notified, Telangana is expected to emerge as one of the first States to mandate electric mobility at an institutional level. The success of the initiative will depend on implementation, availability of charging infrastructure, and continued financial incentives.
With pollution concerns mounting and urban mobility under pressure, the government’s approach signals a decisive shift towards cleaner, technology-driven transport solutions.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Telangana’s proposed mandate for electric vehicles in school and office transport marks a bold step in India’s EV transition. By combining incentives, enforcement, and long-term planning, the State is attempting to balance environmental responsibility with economic realities. If implemented effectively, the policy could serve as a model for other States grappling with pollution and urban transport challenges.