Hyderabad is about to see a significant boost in green mobility with the introduction of e-taxis. The State government has decided to replace traditional fuel-based cars with electric vehicles (EVs) for all beneficiaries under the ‘driver empowerment programme.’
This programme, also known as the ‘Driver-cum-owner’ scheme, empowers drivers from weaker sections to own a vehicle through financial assistance. This time, the programme will offer e-vehicles through various Corporations. According to an official, “We are seriously considering the proposal for distributing e-vehicles as part of this scheme. Besides being much affordable in terms of power consumption, this will mitigate the environmental concerns.”
Drivers in the State have been hesitant to switch to EVs due to various reasons, including the high cost of e-vehicles, State government policies, and technical issues related to charging stations. However, a recent meeting between State officials and organizations working on green solutions proposed the idea of e-taxis. The government’s financial assistance is expected to encourage this shift and reduce the number of fuel-operated cabs. Finance Corporations of different communities, which have been distributing vehicles under the Driver-cum-owner scheme for years, will now provide e-vehicles to beneficiaries.
Shaik Salauddin, the State President of the Telangana Four Wheeler Drivers’ Association, supports the move to EVs and sees it as an encouraging sign. He pointed out that the high prices of EVs, despite the Union government’s push, are a primary reason drivers are not keen on making the switch.
There is currently a price difference of Rs 2 to 3 lakh between similar models of fuel-based and electric cars. Salauddin hopes that if Corporations provide vehicles under subsidy, it will not only contribute to green solutions but also reduce the financial burden on drivers. “As the State and Central governments have yet to arrive on an understanding over the policy to push for EVs, the cost remains high,” he said.
In the previous government, 300 vehicles were sanctioned in 2019-2020 by the Minority Finance Corporation and distributed in phases until 2023. The present government aims to expedite this process to have an impact on the next elections, particularly the GHMC. The Congress government plans to reach the maximum number of beneficiaries with a budget allocation of Rs 432 crore to the TS Minority Finance Corporation (TSMFC), an increase of Rs 162 crore compared to the previous financial year.
