ASTC Goes Green! Soon Electric & CNG Powered Buses Will Ply on Guwahati Roads

GUWAHATI: In order to cut down carbon footprints, the Assam government has decided to part ways with diesel-run city buses in Guwahati.

This announcement was made by Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday in Guwahati while briefing the media on the eve of BJP led Assam government's 100 days of governance.

Further, the Assam cabinet decided to purchase a total of 200 electric buses and 100 CNG buses, which will eventually replace ASTC's diesel-run city buses.

Speaking to the media CM Sarma said, "Assam Government is planning to replace present city buses in Guwahati with electric and CNG buses only. There are plans to purchase 200 electric buses and 100 CNG buses."

The Assam chief minister further said, "ASTC city buses will cease to operate diesel-run city buses. Our goal is to completely replace diesel-run buses with electric and CNG buses in Guwahati by the day this government completes one year".

CM Sarma informed that the replacement process will be completed within six months to one year.

Further, the Assam Cabinet made a number of important decisions. Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the Assam Cabinet decisions to the media in Guwahati:

1. State govt increases Arunodoi Scheme amount from Rs. 830 to Rs. 1000 monthly with immediate effect.

2. India Geography and India History, Assam Geography, Assam History will be compulsory in schools up to classes ten.

3. Guwahati city transport to completely shift to electric vehicles. The Cabinet has decided to purchase 200 electric buses and 100 CNG-operated buses. Diesel buses will stop operating in Guwahati.

4. For those affected economically by COVID19 the government has come forward to provide relief to two sectors:

a) Bus drivers and helpers to receive Rs. 10,000 (one-time) through an ASTC portal. This will benefit 60,000 people.

b) Priests of temples and functionaries of Namghars to receive Rs. 15,000.

c) Moreover, street vendors who could not do business in the evenings, tent houses, and other such businesses will also soon get government relief, the chief minister.

5. Senior Secondary School – 9, 10, 11, 12 will follow changes as per the new National Education Policy. Every High School will now be a Higher Secondary School.

Junior Colleges will have classes 9 and 10. By April 2022, when the colleges will open, the concept of Senior Secondary School will be started.

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