Permit only electric public transport vehicles in future in Karnataka: Dinesh Gundu Rao writes to Ramalinga Reddy

Karnataka Health Minister advocates for permitting only electric public transport vehicles in Bengaluru to combat pollution effectively.

Highlighting the adverse effects on health due to pollution created by vehicles running on conventional fuels, the Karnataka Health Minister has written to Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy stating that it is advisable to permit only electric public transport vehicles (EVs) in future.

Such a measure is essential to prevent Bengaluru from experiencing pollution levels similar to those in some major cities in North India. “It is necessary for us to take action before Bengaluru’s pollution levels become similar to that in Delhi-NCR,” the Health Minister said in his letter.

Pointing out that emissions from vehicles running on conventional fuels are a global concern with well-documented adverse effects on public health, Mr. Gundu Rao asserted: ”It is the Health Department’s opinion that only electric autos, cabs, taxis, goods carriers, and solid waste collection vehicles should be permitted to operate in Bengaluru. There is a need to procure only electric buses for intra-city transport too.”

Appealing to Mr. Reddy to take necessary action in this regard, the Health Minister pointed out that the sheer volume of vehicles on Bengaluru roads has been resulting in high pollution levels. “The high population density worsens the problem, making residents more vulnerable to air pollution. Moreover, the city’s geographical location and climatic conditions are further complicating the issue,” he said.

“Our generation must take responsibility for curbing air pollution to minimise environmental damage, and the government is accountable for this effort. Encouraging public transport is essential. Along with this measure, it is crucial to increase the adoption of electric vehicles. When formulating policies for transport infrastructure, moving away from conventional fuels is not just an option but a necessity that must be implemented on a war footing,” he asserted.

Stating that he has not yet seen the letter, Mr. Reddy said that Mr. Gundu Rao who met him on Monday (February 3, 2025) had informed him that he had sent a letter highlighting the need for permitting electric vehicles in future.

“This is a policy decision that has to be taken by the Centre. Electric vehicles do not require any permit. We will examine the Health department’s proposal and explore if there is any measure that we can take at the State level,” the Transport Minister said.