Telangana has proposed a ₹200 crore scheme to help convert 18,766 petrol and diesel autorickshaws into electric vehicles, with financial assistance of up to ₹1.50 lakh for eligible vehicle owners. The Telangana Auto Rickshaw Electric Conversion Scheme 2026 is aimed at promoting cleaner public transport while supporting autorickshaw owners in shifting to electric mobility.
Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said the recently approved scheme will cover autorickshaw owners who either want to retrofit their existing vehicles or purchase new electric autorickshaws. The proposal is part of the State government’s broader efforts to promote eco-friendly transportation.
18,766 autos identified for conversion
The scheme covers 18,766 autorickshaws operating in the Core Urban Region Economy (CURE) region. The identified vehicles include 11,254 diesel autorickshaws and 7,512 petrol autorickshaws.
Owners choosing to retain their existing vehicles can opt for electric conversion through an approved retrofitment process. The vehicles will have to be converted using an AIS-123-approved electric kit, which is to be installed by vendors empanelled under the scheme.
Up to ₹1.50 lakh financial assistance
Eligible autorickshaw owners can receive financial assistance of up to ₹1.50 lakh. The support is intended to reduce the cost burden involved in either converting an existing petrol or diesel autorickshaw or purchasing a new electric vehicle.
The initiative is expected to encourage greater adoption of electric three-wheelers in urban areas and reduce dependence on conventional fuels. Telangana already has an electric vehicle policy framework that provides incentives for electric three-wheelers and retrofitment of eligible autorickshaws.
Focus on cleaner urban transport
The proposed scheme represents another step towards expanding electric mobility in Telangana’s urban transport sector. By combining financial assistance with certified retrofitment technology, the government intends to make the transition easier for autorickshaw owners while encouraging the use of cleaner vehicles.
Further implementation details, including the application process, eligibility requirements, empanelled vendors and the mechanism for disbursing the subsidy, are expected to determine how quickly the scheme reaches autorickshaw owners.
