TGSRTC Suspends 500 JBM Electric Buses

Overview

• TGSRTC stopped roughly 500 JBM-manufactured buses used on inter-city routes after recurring battery-related fires, a precautionary step taken on July 2–3 to protect passengers and staff.
• The corporation has set up a command-and-control centre at Bus Bhavan to monitor operations and asked JBM for a detailed accident analysis, permanent corrective measures, and formal battery fitness certification before any wider return to service.
• JBM has dispatched technical teams and outside battery experts, including specialists reported from China, to inspect vehicles and prepare a consolidated report that TGSRTC senior officials will review before approving resumptions.
• Following initial fitness checks, 150 of the suspended JBM buses were cleared and returned to service from several depots, while some Karimnagar depot services remain idle pending JBM’s report and further inspections.
• TGSRTC runs about 1,050 electric buses from multiple makers and says it is reallocating other vehicles and increasing trips to reduce passenger disruption, though some commuters—especially women using free e-Express services—have faced delays.