Telangana CM unveils electric retrofit scheme for auto-rickshaws in Hyderabad

Hyderabad's Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy unveiled an ambitious government-sponsored initiative on Friday to transform the city's auto-rickshaw fleet into electric vehicles, marking a significant push toward cleaner urban mobility.

Speaking at an event held at Hyderabad Haj House to send off buses carrying Haj pilgrims, Revanth Reddy outlined the EV retrofit scheme designed to tackle the city's pollution challenges while simultaneously easing the financial burden on auto drivers through reduced fuel costs.

The initiative involves retrofitting existing petrol and diesel-powered autos with electric engines, with the state bearing the financial responsibility. The Chief Minister disclosed that the government is currently in talks with five companies to execute the retrofitting programme across Hyderabad's central urban zones.

Beyond transport electrification, the Chief Minister addressed the evolving employment landscape, cautioning that artificial intelligence poses emerging challenges to conventional white-collar professions. He encouraged students to prioritize skill-based competencies that enhance job prospects, directing them toward training facilities available at Advanced Training Centres (ATCs), polytechnic institutions, and skill universities.

Revanth Reddy highlighted that the state is placing considerable emphasis on skill development and vocational training initiatives. He also pointed to employment opportunities in countries including Japan, Germany, South Korea, the United States, and Middle Eastern nations, urging young people to strengthen their professional capabilities for international career prospects.

During his address, the Chief Minister underscored the government's commitment to inclusive development, noting that welfare and development programmes are being implemented with active participation from minority communities. He reassured minority groups that government welfare schemes will be distributed equitably relative to their population share.

Using metaphorical language, Revanth Reddy described Hindu and Muslim communities as "two eyes" of society, calling for unified efforts toward Telangana's overall progress.

The event drew attendance from several senior officials and community leaders, including Minister Mohammed Azharuddin, Government Advisor Mohammed Shabbir Ali, Members of Parliament Anil Kumar Yadav and Asaduddin Owaisi, MLC Riyaz ul Hassan Effendi, and MLA Mohammed Jaffar Hussain. Representatives from minority educational institutions, the Haj Committee, the Waqf Board, the Telangana Minorities Finance Corporation, and the Urdu Academy also participated in the programme.