RTC suspends JBM electric bus services temporarily over safety concerns

JBM electric buses which are operational in the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation’s fleet will be temporarily suspended on account of battery-related incidents, according to the State run transport undertaking.

The significant move has been taken in the interest of passenger safety, and will be in affect at all TGSRTC depots . The decision comes after an incident occurred that was reported on June 21. “Considering the safety of passengers, employees and the general public as its highest priority, the TGSRTC management decided to suspend the services,” the TGSRTC stated.

The corporation has sought detailed reports from JBM, thorough analysis of incidents, permanent preventive measures, battery fitness certification, and the establishment of a Command Control Centre at the Bus Bhavan. The TGSRTC added that JBM initiated this process . A technical team, along with a team of battery experts from China, is studying the incidents, the circumstances that led to them, and the preventive measures required.

Only after the the corporation is satisfied of JBM having complied with the stipulated conditions, a final decision will be taken on restoring the services of those vehicles that are certified by the company’s technical team as fit for operation.

A TGSRTC official said that there are 1,050 electric buses of different make of which around 500 JBM electric buses. Most of these buses operate inter-city routes. The TGSRTC is making alternate arrangements so as to fill the gap which these buses will leave with other buses.