Khanapara & Basistha to Dharapur bus routes to go green from Jan 1
2
Guwahati: Streets of Guwahati are seeing more green electric buses operated by the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC), as privately owned diesel buses gradually disappear.
In a recent move, the transport department resolved to convert two city routes into dedicated "green corridors" — a shift that has triggered widespread concern among diesel bus operators who fear it would severely impact their livelihoods.
Effective from Jan 1, 2026, these new green corridors will only allow electric or CNG buses. Diesel buses will be allowed on these two routes only till Dec 31 this year. The two major city bus paths — route no.-23
which goes from Khanapara to Dharapur via Ganeshguri, and route no.-36 which goes from Basistha Mandir to Dharapur via Paltan Bazar — covers key localities of the city.
The city currently has around 352 privately owned diesel buses, alongside 256 electric and 100 CNG buses under ASTC. However, not all operate simultaneously. Data from the Kamrup (Metro) district transport office shows that 113 private city bus permits have been cancelled since Jan last year till now.
by Taboola
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DTO-cum-RTA Kamrup (Metro) secretary Tamsir Aftab said the decision was taken during a regional transport board meeting. Operators have been asked to either shift routes or convert their buses to CNG or electric vehicles. "This transition is being carried out in a phased manner, and it will reduce pollution, ease traffic, and streamline green bus operations. ASTC's enforcement wing will be responsible for scheduling and accountability on these corridors," Aftab said.
Meanwhile, Devraj Das, secretary of the Metropolitan Transport Association Guwahati, said, "It is not possible for us to comply with that decision due to the present financial condition of the owner members. We started doing this business as a source of livelihood to our families, besides each city bus owners also contributes to the employment and livelihood of other two families which includes the drivers and conductors.
Amid rising living costs and high unemployment, this decision feels arbitrary and unconstitutional."
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