Yogi govt to convert diesel buses to electric; trial runs in the works

UP moves closer to green transit with Yogi govt’s clean transport push

Two diesel buses go electric at Kanpur workshop; trial to begin on Jhansi–Lalitpur route

Switch to electric buses to cut additional costs

Transport department working on plan to add 5,000 electric buses to its fleet

220 electric buses, including 20 double-deckers, deployed during Mahakumbh

Lucknow : Following the directive of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has begun converting old diesel buses into electric vehicles. Minister of State for Transport Dayashankar Singh informed that two such conversions have already been completed at the Ram Manohar Lohia Workshop in Kanpur. These buses will undergo trial runs on the Jhansi–Lalitpur route.

As per UPSRTC policy, diesel buses are retired after 10 years or 11 lakh kilometers and are usually auctioned. By retrofitting these buses instead, the department will save on new purchases. Private firms like Kalyani Powertrain and Zero21 are covering retrofit costs, while UPSRTC will handle bus body construction—significantly lowering capital expenditure.

The minister noted that, thanks to the proactive efforts of CM Yogi, electric mobility is gaining strong momentum across the state. This initiative will help curb pollution and contribute to a cleaner environment. The Transport department is working on a comprehensive plan to add 5,000 electric buses to its fleet. Recently, 220 electric buses, including 20 air-conditioned double-decker buses, were procured and deployed for the Mahakumbh.