Battery Fire Scare: TGSRTC Pulls 500 JBM Electric Buses Off Roads
HYDERABAD: Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) has temporarily withdrawn around 500 electric buses manufactured by JBM from inter-city services after recurring battery-related fire incidents. The buses will remain off the road until experts complete fresh fitness checks and senior officials clear them for operations.
The move follows a fire involving a JBM electric bus near Alugunur in Karimnagar district on June 21. It was the latest in a series of battery-related incidents involving the manufacturer’s buses.
TGSRTC has asked JBM to submit a detailed report explaining the cause of the fires, permanent corrective measures, battery fitness certification and additional safety recommendations. The corporation has also directed the company to set up a command and control centre at Bus Bhavan in Hyderabad to monitor the fleet.
JBM has deployed technical and battery experts to investigate the incidents and recommend corrective measures. The company has already established a command and control centre at Bus Bhavan to track fleet operations.
Senior TGSRTC officials will review the findings before deciding whether to resume services. The corporation will allow the buses back on the road only after it is satisfied that all safety standards have been met.
TGSRTC operates about 1,050 electric buses supplied by JBM, Olectra and MEIL. The suspension applies only to JBM buses on inter-city routes. Buses supplied by Olectra and MEIL will continue operating as usual.
Officials said the corporation is making alternative arrangements to ensure passengers do not face inconvenience during the temporary suspension.
