Guwahati: The Gauhati High Court has upheld the Assam government’s decision to designate two major Guwahati bus corridors as “Green Routes”, clearing the way for the gradual phase-out of diesel-operated city buses on the routes. The routes are Khanapara-Dharapur (Route 23) and Basistha-Amingaon (Route 36). Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi dismissed petitions filed by the Metropolitan Transport Association, Guwahati, challenging the Regional Transport Authority’s decision to withdraw diesel buses and reroute existing operators.
The court noted that the RTA’s decision followed a state Cabinet decision of August 20, 2021, aimed at making Guwahati free from carbon emissions. Bus operators were given the option of converting their vehicles to CNG or electric power or shifting their operations to one of 10 alternative routes. According to the state government, more than 100 of over 150 buses affected by the decision had already shifted to alternative routes. The court also observed that representatives of bus owners had participated in discussions with the authorities and rejected the contention that principles of natural justice had been violated.
The High Court dismissed the petitions but allowed the operators to approach the appropriate forum regarding their separate grievance over permit fees. The ruling is expected to facilitate Assam’s efforts to expand cleaner public transport in Guwahati.
