Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today flagged off 100 new compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered buses gifted by the Guwahati Smart City Limited to the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC).

The Assam chief minister also inaugurated Guwahati's first CNG fuel station, named Indian Oil RO Swagat CNG Station, which was built by Purba Bharti Gas Limited near the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT).

Guwahati Smart City Limited purchased these buses, which are equipped with air conditioning, fire detection, global positioning systems, and other features, and will be operated by ASTC, as part of its Smart City Mission.

The Assam chief minister stated at a public meeting there that the launch of the CNG-powered buses and the inauguration of the city's first CNG fuel station was a decisive step toward gradual but firm mitigation of the effects of climate change and global warming.Guwahati Smart City Limited purchased these buses, which are equipped with air conditioning, fire detection, global positioning systems, and other features, and will be operated by ASTC, as part of its Smart City Mission.The Assam chief minister stated at a public meeting there that the launch of the CNG-powered buses and the inauguration of the city's first CNG fuel station was a decisive step toward gradual but firm mitigation of the effects of climate change and global warming.

CM blamed excessive use of fossil fuels such as petrol and diesel for the trend of global warming, saying carbon emissions from such sources of energy were causing climatic imbalances in many parts of the world, including Assam.

It is important that everyone works together to mitigate the effects of climate change and find a long-term and permanent solution, he said, adding that clean and green energy, such as CNG, holds the solution to the problem.

CM further stated that major cities around the world have already seen a significant shift to clean energy sources in many areas.

The gradual transition to clean and green fuel in Guwahati's public transportation system would ensure that Assam contributes to the nation's commitments to reduce carbon emissions.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma mentioned that Purba Bharti would operate at least 5 CNG stations in the city by March 2023, and that in a few years, the total number of such fuel stations would increase to 50.

He added that, gradually, other public transportation vehicles such as auto-rickshaws and vans would be brought under the CNG umbrella, as is the case in Delhi.

He continued to say that the possibility of allowing CNG-powered private vehicles would be investigated in the coming days, once the necessary infrastructure is in place.

Purba Bharti would also provide piped natural gas (PNG) to the city's households, and the infrastructure work required to launch the service in Guwahati is currently in various stages of implementation, according to the Assam CM.

CM Sarma urged the ASTC administration to use the 100 new CNG buses as an opportunity to transform itself into a profitable and efficient organisation and shed the sluggish image it had developed over the years for a variety of avoidable and unavoidable reasons.

He expressed hope that ASTC would incorporate corporate work ethics into its day-to-day operations.

Assam ministers Ashok Singhal, Bimal Bora, and Parimal Shuklabadya, as well as senior government officials, attended the event.

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