GHMC Approves Electric Vehicle Plan Amid Rising Fuel Costs
Facing increasing fuel expenses, GHMC has approved the purchase of electric vehicles for officials while also clearing several infrastructure and civic development proposals across Hyderabad.
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation has decided to shift towards electric mobility as fuel prices continue to put pressure on operational expenses. In a significant move, the civic body approved the purchase of electric vehicles for official use during its latest Standing Committee meeting.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Municipal Administration Special Chief Secretary and Special Officer for the city corporations Jayesh Ranjan. Officials said the electric vehicles will be used by the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Commissioner, Additional Commissioners, Zonal Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners.
At present, GHMC relies largely on hired vehicles under driver cum owner arrangements. To reduce long term fuel and maintenance costs, the corporation has now decided to replace part of the existing fleet with electric vehicles. The first phase is expected to include the procurement of around 45 electric cars.
Sources said the proposal to introduce electric vehicles is not entirely new. The civic body had explored the idea earlier, but the plan could not move forward due to various administrative and operational reasons. With fuel prices remaining volatile, the proposal has now gained fresh momentum.
The Standing Committee also approved several other civic projects aimed at improving city infrastructure. Among them was the decision to bring ten electrical engineers on deputation to strengthen monitoring of LED street lighting systems and address complaints related to streetlight maintenance.
Road expansion projects also received approval. The committee cleared the widening of a 40 foot road from Bada Bazaar to Moula Ka Chilla and approved the expansion of a 60 foot road stretch from Chilla to Bhavani Nagar.
In addition, approval was granted for the replacement of underground electrical cables near Ali Cafe in Amberpet. The committee also cleared the construction of a new office building for the Jalpally Circle, further supporting administrative and civic services in the area.
The move towards electric vehicles reflects GHMC’s efforts to reduce fuel expenditure while promoting cleaner and more sustainable transportation within the city’s administration.
