TTD to launch probe into electric bus accident on Tirumala ghat

Tirupati: A day after an electric bus of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) carrying 45 devotees had a lucky escape, TTD chairman Y.V. Subba Reddy on Thursday visited the site where the accident took place. He directed officials to conduct an inquiry and submit a detailed report.

The accident took place on 24 May on the Tirumala Tirupati down ghat road. The bus overturned after the driver hit a divider. The driver and around five devotees suffered minor injuries. Fortunately, there were no casualties.

At the time of the incident, the SPF personnel who were travelling on the same route witnessed the incident and saved the devotees.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Subba Reddy said, “Olectra company and RTC officials said there was no technical fault but over-speeding and human error shall be looked into. Officials concerned have been instructed to train drivers on driving electric buses and ensure the safety of passengers.”

In March, TTD introduced 10 electric buses to replace its diesel-powered Srivari Dharma Rathas that transport pilgrims to their destinations within Tirumala for free. These buses were offered by Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited (MEIL). Olectra Greentech Ltd. manufactured these nine-metre-long electric buses under the Central government’s Make in India and Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiatives. The e-buses will help decarbonise the pilgrim centre, enabling it to fight air pollution, reduce noise, and tackle climate change, making it emission-free.