Aging RTC buses still pollute Hyderabad roads, vigilant citizen raises alarm

Hyderabad: Even as Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) progresses towards replacing its diesel bus fleet with the electric buses, several buses are still seen emitting thick black smoke on city roads.

A vigilant resident captured one such RTC bus belching smoke near Koti Women’s College bus stop and shared his concern on his social media account on X (formerly Twitter) highlighting the polluting vehicle.

I Spotted a TGSRTC bus at Koti Women's College Bus stop releasing heavy smoke. This pollution is affecting Hyderabad’s air quality. Hope @TGSRTCHQ takes necessary action. #Hyderabad #AirPollution #TGSRTC@revanth_anumula @TelanganaCMO @Ponnam_INC @SajjanarVC @hydcitypolice pic.twitter.com/xmNjWJrJEo

— 𝗝𝗲𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗱𝘆 (@Jeevanreddy_007) March 7, 2025

In the past, several social media users had complained about long-distance buses emitting excessive smoke. Many of them reported they had breathing difficulties due to more particulate matter in black-coloured smoke emissions.

The RTC currently operates more than 3,000 buses covering the length and breadth of Hyderabad. Over the years, the corporation has scrapped numerous buses that contributed to visible pollution on the city roads. However, there are still many buses which have exceeded their lifespan and are still in service.

Earlier, the chief minister Revanth Reddy expressed concern over rising pollution levels in the national capital and remarked that he would not allow Hyderabad to turn into another Delhi.

The chief minister stated that the government plans to make Hyderabad a pollution-free city. As part of this initiative, the TGSRTC will replace its diesel bus fleet with 3,000 new electric buses over the next two years. He also announced that the diesel autos will not be allowed within the Outer Ring Road (ORR) limits in future.