Court backs the government’s plan for Khanapara–Dharapur and Basistha–Amingaon corridors, allowing operators to shift to electric or CNG buses
Guwahati: The Gauhati High Court has upheld the Assam government’s decision to designate two major Guwahati corridors as “Green Routes”, allowing authorities to proceed with the gradual withdrawal of diesel-operated city buses.
Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi, in a judgment delivered on Tuesday, dismissed a petition filed by the Metropolitan Transport Association, Guwahati, challenging the Regional Transport Authority’s decision to phase out diesel buses from the Khanapara–Dharapur and Basistha–Amingaon corridors.
Under the policy, operators can switch to electric or CNG-powered buses or shift their services to 10 alternative routes. The government told the court that the policy originated from a Cabinet decision of August 20, 2021, aimed at reducing carbon emissions in Guwahati.
Bus operators had argued that the RTA lacked authority to declare the corridors Green Routes and require permit holders to leave their existing routes without following the prescribed statutory process.
The High Court rejected the challenge, holding that the Cabinet decision constituted a policy decision. It also noted that bus owners had participated in consultations and were offered alternative options.
The court further observed that an earlier division bench ruling had established that the Green Routes were open to CNG and electric buses operated by all service providers.
While dismissing the petition, the court allowed operators to approach the appropriate forum over their separate grievance concerning permit fees.
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