The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) on Wednesday received the first three electric buses at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant depot, marking the beginning of a dedicated fleet to provide seamless connectivity to the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport.

Regional Manager B. Appala Naidu, who conducted inspection of the e-buses, confirmed that APSRTC is expected to receive a total of 20 electric buses within the week. These buses, procured from Pinnacle Solutions through the GreenCell Mobility platform, have been specially designed with a unique colour scheme to cater to airport passengers.

The 20 buses will operate on two primary routes connecting Gajuwaka to the Bhogapuram airport.

The first set of 10 buses will transit through NAD Junction, Gurudwara, Maddilapalem, Hanumanthawaka, Madhurawada, Anandapuram, and Tagarapuvalasa.

The second set of 10 buses will follow a route covering Scindia, the Railway Station, Dwaraka Bus Station, VMRDA Park, Rushikonda, IT Hills, Marikivalasa, Anandapuram, and Tagarapuvalasa.

Officials noted that the current travel time between Gajuwaka and the airport is estimated at 90-120 minutes. Mr. Naidu stated that efforts are under way to further optimise travel times. A formal inauguration will be held in the presence of dignitaries after the State government receives an official clearance. The RTC, in the interim, will conduct trial runs to finalise bus stop locations and refine schedules.

To enhance passenger comfort, plans are in place to establish modern lounges at key junctions, including NAD, Gurudwara, Vepagunta, and VMRDA Park, under the GMR group.

APSRTC is fast-tracking the operational preparations, including vehicle registration, permit acquisition, and specialised training for drivers and mechanical staff. The corporation also announced that an additional 80 electric buses, currently being readied at the Simhapuri and Gajuwaka depots, are slated for induction in September and October.

Published - July 15, 2026 08:07 pm IST